Roseburg is bustling with fresh produce and products from farmer’s markets, U-Pick farms and local vendors as harvest season begins.
UCC students are joining others in becoming more active in the natural local produce/eating trend. “I like going to the farmers market because not only am I getting to support local businesses, but I also get to meet the people who own those businesses. It’s a great opportunity to buy healthy, fresh produce and make connections within my community,” said Sarah Orsingher, engineering major.
The Umpqua Valley Farmers’ Market hosts numerous vendors who sell a variety of farm-fresh goods including high quality produce, baked goods, eggs, meat, fudge, homemade beeswax and other handmade goods.
The UV Farmers’ market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., located in the parking lot of the First Methodist Church on Harvard.
Vendors are now selling baby salad greens (arugula, chard, spinach, mustard, red & green romaine, broccoli, green onions, carrots, cilantro, head lettuce, strawberries and more). Consumers worried about safer produce can talk directly to the grower or farmer.
June is the real kickoff for the local farmer’s markets. This time of season is when the berries start coming on, explained Amanda Pastoria, market manager
In June, the Umpqua Valley Farmers’ market will host a child nutritional education program called Food Hero. Every week, children will be welcomed to the farmer’s market to learn about fruits and vegetables, fiber and healthy nutrition habits.
Every week in June, the children can participate in a food tasting, craft, or other activities such as riding and powering the blender bike. The children receive a $2 food voucher funded through a grant which can either be saved or spent at the different booths in the market.The community is actively engaged. “Last year we averaged around 80 kids per week,” said Pastoria.
The market stays active throughout the summer and provide opportunities for community involvement by offering tomato tastings, and food sampling such as grilled and smoked meats.
UV Farmers’ market is not the only local farmer’s market. Many others are located throughout the Roseburg area. For more information on other local markets and natural sellers, check out our graphics.
For more information on the Umpqua Valley Farmers’ Market, check out their website or their Facebook Page, “Umpqua Valley Farmers’ Market.”
Note: UCC has a garden. According to Phi Theta Kappa President Jamie Vallotton, the plans for the garden are unsure at the moment, but the club is working on ideas.
Below are listed farms and their hours:
Kruse Farms: 532 Melrose Road, Roseburg
Open 9 a.m to 6 p.m
Berry Patch: 6271 Old Melrose Road
Open Monday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Brosi’s Sugartree Farms: 540 Winston Section Road, Winston
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday
Haven Farm: 10246 Tyee Road, Umpqua
Open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., CLOSED SUNDAY
Norm Lehne Garden & Orchards: 386 Cleveland Rapids Road, Roseburg
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CLOSED SUNDAY
Big Lick Farms: 942 Winston Section Rd, Winston
Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday.
The markets below do not currently list hours:
Omgrown Family Farm: Winston, vending at Umpqua Valley Farmers Market
Southside Community Market: 1614 SE Stephens St., Opens in June. •