Video by Growing Organics RI
MIDDLETOWN,R.I._ In two weeks the Aquidneck Growers’ market will be moving outdoors to accommodate more vendors and larger crowds. Currently the market is being each Saturday morning throughout the winter at Newport Vineyards offering a variety of vendors.
Aquidneck Growers’ market provides a place for vendors with a variety of different foods to come and sell their products. Pat’s Pastured and Aquidneck Farms bring high-quality pasture raised meats and were two of the biggest sellers, bringing a large quantity of product to the market. Not far behind was The Local Catch, bringing seafood caught directly from Rhode Island or Southern Massachusetts water for distribution directly at the market.
Produce accounts for 43 percent of all organic food sales in our country, and with three different produce vendors at the market you can see why. 16 vendors at the Aquidneck Growers’ Market throughout the winter are from Rhode Island, with one vendor coming from Westport, Massachusetts.
The vineyard offered its own products to market goers, allowing tastings outside and selling full bottles inside. Market goers were all very friendly and you felt a local atmosphere inside. Each vendor knew exactly where the product was grown and felt a personal pride in presenting it at the market, something that is not available at your local grocery store. The local food movement is expanding, Aquidneck Growers’ Market will look to continue its success as it moves outside at the winery and Wednesday’s in Newport to accommodate a larger market.
Jake Scarafone 