Portland Farmers Market Pixabay Public Domain
Portland Farmer’s Market
The Portland Farmers Market is one of the most impressive farmer's markets in the area, maybe even the country, a massive conglomerate of year-long vendors throughout the greater Portland metro area. There are roughly 7 different main markets, but there are 40 total (sometimes smaller) markets in the entire area. These various outdoor markets throughout Portland gather over 200 vendors total, 80% of those vendors being from an area within 100 miles of Portland. Local is a very important concept in these markets, as you will see for yourself once you and your group get here.
The very first market was established in 1992, bringing together the absolute finest farmers and artisans from all over Oregon and Southwest Washington. These markets sold such items as they still do today, like fresh and local produce, fish, meat, dairy, loaves of bread, baked goods, cheeses, various ag products, and even home decor.
The main market, for many, is the Portland State University Farmer’s Market, a year-round market usually packed with both vendors and customers. Typically you will see around 150 full stalls and around 20,000 customers each Saturday, the biggest sales day for the market weekly. The backdrop you will see behind the market is almost worth the trip itself, though the added chef demos, cooking classes, live music, and agriculture education is well worth it as well. This is truly one of the best ways to get to know Portland and it’s locals a little bit better, plus it’s a huge catalyst for the nation’s most prosperous, healthy, and sustainable food system. Did we mention that this ag-based retail therapy is all tax-free?
