With the growth going on in Malta, it’s no surprise that a farmers market has come into the mix of commerce there.
Tuesday, June 5, marked the debut of the Malta Farmers Market – a weekly installment of locally produced foods, plants and craft items. Every Tuesday will now host more than 20 vendors on the lawn between the Malta Community Center and Just Meat & Deli on Route 9 from 3-6 p.m. through Oct. 30.
Offerings at the market include a variety of fruits and vegetables, cheeses and yogurts, meats, beer and even wine from a couple of local vineyards.
Deborah Miles Czech, marketing director for the market, said vendors include the Argyle Cheese Factory, Balet Flowers and Design, Amici Vineyard and Quincy Farm.
“Malta has been striving to be friendly to our farmers and our families. The new Malta Farmers Market will benefit both groups and be a tremendous new asset in our downtown neighborhood,” said Malta Supervisor Paul Sausville in a press release. “A new farmers market has been discussed for several years by the town, and we are excited to see this effort moving forward.”
“Malta adopted an Agricultural Viability Plan in 2009 that identified the reestablishment of a Malta farmers market as a priority for the community,” said David Haight, chairman of Malta’s Open Space, Agricultural and Trails Committee.
A smaller farmers market was in Malta a couple of years ago, although it saw limited success due in part to low visibility from Route 9. The new market, however, is highly visible from Route 9.
Officials were “very judicious” in starting the Malta market, taking into consideration growth at the tech campus and the area in general.
“We think this has great potential for growth, and other farmers see that too. … The town has some fantastic staff that have really made things like this possible,” said Haight. “I’m excited because I think there’s a great partnership here. … I think that potentially gives this new market a safe home location, and it’s a partnership with the Saratoga Farmers Market Association. … We’ve gotten a great response.”
Although it is a new market, Haight said that there already is great diversity among vendors, and it is set up to be “a really tremendous market place.” The market will also be within walking distance of the new Ellsworth Commons housing development, as well as other nearby businesses and housing.
Malta’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Human Services Audrey Ball has been instrumental in establishing the farmers market.
“Here in our building, we’ll be able to take a break and walk out and buy our cheese and wine,” said Ball.
She said she was optimistic about the community’s response to the market. While it’s hard to say at this point what the turnout will be, she said “the demand” for the market is there, and she expects farmers to do “very well.”
“It’s something that we’d love to have and continue in Malta,” she said.
Along with the Agriculture Viability Plan adopted by the town in 2009, Malta has also adopted the Right to Farm Law in 2011. That action “clarified the town’s support for local agriculture” and gave farmers the right to “do things like direct marketing and agritourism” that have not always been defined under local land use codes, according to Haight.
“The Right to Farm Law was a really important step forward for Malta. The farmers market is kind of a second step forward,” said Haight.
The Malta Farmers Market is a cooperative effort between the Saratoga Farmers Market, Town Supervisor’s office, the Office of Parks & Recreation, and the Malta Open Space, Agricultural and Trails Committee.
