F Farmview Market armview Market takes the farmers market to a new level. A New Level The Morgan County complex, which will be open year-round, A Morgan County development of Covington-based Kelly will have a grocery store featuring Products will include a farm-to-table restaurant and eventually crafts and other items. This unique site will be different from the Georgia products, specialty butcher shop and regular town markets. It is scheduled to open September, 2015. farm-to-table café, as well as a seasonal open-air farmers market. “We have been developing agricultural products and software for the past 22 years, so the Farmview Market is a natural outgrowth of our business and personal interests around farming, agriculture and community engagement,” says Keith Kelly, president and CEO of Kelly Products, Inc., a Covington-based agribusiness that is developing the project. “We are passionate about this venture and we believe it will be a great asset for local farmers and local and regional consumers.” Located one mile south of I-20 on U.S. 441 in Madison, Farmview Market is expected to open in September. It will include special features, such as two historic Northeastern barns-- a late 1700 Dutch structure and an 1800 English building-moved and reconstructed on the 50-acre site, according to marketing communications manager Laura Rotroff. Future plans for Farmview include venues for education- agritourism, which could include woodworking, cheesemaking and textiles. “What we went for in this space is to combine an experience that stands alone in the mind of the shopper. Our goal is locally and sensibly produced food, the teaching of traditional crafts to promote sustainable practices and community.” and exposure to our agricultural and architectural heritage into one Farmers markets have become destinations where people come, location and showing that these things are relevant to our wellbeing,” spend half a day and enjoy a variety of activities. “There are some really says Kelly. “We hope to build on the already vibrant agricultural and great things we can do on site,” Laura Rotroff says. “The space will be tourism offerings of Morgan County.” used not just for retail but for community offerings and events.” According to General Manager Richard Rotroff, “We want to offer They are YFF as they like to call themselves - Young Female Farmers. Margo Candelario greets passers-by at the Monroe Farmers Market. Her daughter Cheyenne keeps her company. Summer 2 015 new normal,” says Kozak. Access to health information on the internet, new technology and learning what many commercially grown and processed foods contain have created a demand for something “cleaner and more meaningful,” explains Kozak, a Wholesome Wave board member and co-owner and COO of 1000 Faces Coffee. People who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) stamps can shop at farmers markets, including Athens and Monroe, that partner with Wholesome Wave to double the value of food stamps. According to Kozak, a total of $30,000 in foods stamps, or $60,000 worth of food, was purchased at the Athens market in 2014. Brady adds that people who have become “accustomed to eating out of a can or box want to reconnect with fresh foods and whatever is in season.” www.GeorgiaConnector.com 25