Saturdays 9am to noon
November 9
November 16
November 23
December 14
January 11
February 8
March 8
April 12
(Behind the Forest Library)
About
About the Forest Farmers Market
Forest Farmers’ Market was founded in 2011, when a core group of like-minded foodies and local farmers came together and wanted to bring fresh local food to beautiful Bedford County VA. The market is located behind the Forest Library with access to one of the counties walking trails.
The purpose of the Forest Farmers’ Market is to provide the community with fresh, locally produced goods directly from area farmers, producers, and artisans, and to support local agriculture by providing a direct market for products.
FFM is a producer only market -- vendors can only sell what they raise, grow, or produce. There is NO reselling at the market. Open year round, the summer season is held each Saturday, hosting more than 35 farmers, artisans, and artisan food makers. Winter season markets are held once a month and bring our dedicated farmers with local vegetables, meats, eggs, along with local artisans.
The market has become an integral part of the community when a local Eagle Scout installed picnic tables. Customers arrive on Saturday morning to support local. They stay to catch up with friends and perhaps enjoy breakfast in the market's tranquil setting. SNAP recipients are welcome to use their benefits at the market to purchase local healthy food. SNAP Incentives are provided by Bedford Community Health Foundation.
Market Manager: Dorothy McIntyre
I love food! After moving to Virginia from Long Island, NY, I discovered that the area was rich in farmland. What I didn’t know is that there wasn’t an easy access to purchase nutrient dense food locally.
In 2009 a move to Forest in Bedford county made the access to local food even more of a challenge. After discussing this with my husband to the point of him saying “Either stop complaining or do something about it!” I decided to do something about it!
With little understanding of farming, but a passion for good food and knowledge, I worked with the local Virginia Tech extension office and brought together a group of like-minded people to work toward opening a farmer’s market in Forest Va. A year of research and training ensued and in 2011 the market opened with 11 dedicated farmers. We have grown through the years and average 35 vendors during the peak season. In 2020 during a challenging season the market was able to show sales of over 500,000 dollars.
In a former life I was a Registered Nurse and Coordinator for the local, and state travel Volleyball programs. When not coordinating the weekly markets, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 35 years, my three grown children, 2 grandsons along with my two rescue dogs and two rescue cats. In my spare time, if there is any, I love to cook, bake, hike, and explore all the beautiful scenic and historic sites that Virginia has to offer.