Local farmers markets feature new vendors, services

The 2023 season for Fairfax County Farmers Markets kicks off Wednesday, April 19 with the opening of the McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market.

Several new vendors will make their debut there this season, according to farmers market coordinator Caroline Hockenberry. The new businesses include:

Pork Stork – heritage breed pork from an Orange County, Virginia-based farm where pigs are born and raised in the forest where they forage for food

Honeycomb Heroes – honey and beeswax-based skincare products from a veteran-owned business in Stafford

Pasta Ilgatto – ravioli, egg pasta and flavored pasta from experienced chef Leonardo Rebollo who makes handmade pasta at his production site in Lorton

WeGrow Company – hydroponic microgreens from a farm to table store in the City of Alexandria that offers hyperlocal, homegrown food and products. WeGrow participated in McCutcheon/Mount Vernon’s extended farmers market season last fall.

Tomatoes from Ochoa Produce at McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market

New vendors also will sell their wares at the Lorton Farmers Market, which opens Sunday, May 7. Vendors making their debut include:

Beijo Snacks – brigadeiros, a traditional dessert from Brazil, produced by a Prince William County-based start-up

Hog Haven Farm – pork, beef and hot breakfast sandwiches from a Goochland, Virginia farm that doesn’t use pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers

Samkara Foods – Homestyle Northern Indian cuisine prepared by Burke-based chef/owner Archana Sikri

Besides shopping at the farmers market, customers at the Lorton location will be able to drop off food compost for the first time this year, thanks to the market’s partnership with Future Acres Urban Farming. This is the first year that Fairfax County is offering compost collection at all 10 farmers markets. Additionally, to reduce plastic bag usage, market managers will provide compostable produce bags and reusable canvas shopping bags to customers, according to Hockenberry.

To add some festiveness to the markets, the county has created a “Music at Market” program in which local musicians can apply to play for tips.

The McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market, located at 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane in Alexandria, will take place Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon through Dec. 20. The Lorton Farmers Market will take place Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 19 at 8994 Potomac Bend in Lorton.