Officials celebrate market’s fourth season in Robbinsville
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
ROBBINSVILLE — Just a few days before summer, the first farmers market opened in the Garden State in the township on Monday.
The farmers market, located at the intersection of Routes 526 and 33, is in its fourth season and has 15 vendors.
In attendance, apart from vendors and eager patrons, were local, county and state officials, including New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher, who was on hand to celebrate the opening.
Mr. Fisher lauded the market, which he said has grown each year.
”It’s so great to be here. I bring greetings from Gov. (Chris) Christie,” he said. “It’s opening day and it’s hustle and bustle. It’s a great tribute to the community and the people working together.”
Mayor Dave Fried thanked the vendors of the market for providing fresh, local foods for township residents.
”This is a great thing for our town and it really dovetails into what we’re trying to do with buying locally,” Mayor Fried said, noting the importance of the community to shop and eat local.
”Local businesses are so key to our community. They are people who took a chance on our community and our county and they’re the folks that really keep our community moving,” he said, noting businesses’ support for youth athletics. “This is so important for all of us to come out (and) support local businesses, support our farmers, support people who are here in New Jersey, Mercer County and Robbinsville and make sure that those businesses thrive because when they do, we as a community thrive.”
On a lighter note, he thanked the vendors who produce local food that eventually finds its way to his family’s dinner table.
”I thank God for local farmers because I have the exact opposite of a green thumb. Anything that I plant goes the other way,” he said. “So without all of you we would not eat in our house.”
State Sen. Linda Greenstein, D-14, said while she had previously been unfamiliar with the market, she intends to change that.
”It is wonderful to be here today. I’m glad to hear that you’ve been here for four years, I have to be honest this is my first time here, but it will not be my last,” Sen. Greenstein said. “I love the idea that we are going to be supporting local planters and eating local produce.
”I can’t think of anything better and more exciting and also more important to the economy of our state,” she added. “What we’re doing is supporting small business.”
Assemblyman Dan Benson, D-14, who was also on hand for the opening, said he especially appreciates the value of the farmers market, given his enthusiasm for gardening at home.
”Every year this seems to grow,” he said. “As someone who likes to grow vegetables in his back yard, we’ve just picked some raspberries today, it’s really exciting to come out here and start picking the first fruits of the labors of the season.
”It’s great to know where your food’s coming from, it keeps garden in the Garden State,” he added.
Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes encouraged residents to continue local vendors.
”All these products are great and all the people who support them are doing a great job,” he said.
Linda D’Amico, who began the market along with her husband, Frank, said the market provides not only a source of local foods, but a chance for the community to come together.
”It provides them an opportunity to get out and be with other members of the community,” Ms. D’Amico said. “We’re also drawing people from other nearby communities to show them what Robbinsville has to offer.”
She noted the market can also serve as great introduction for youth.
”It exposes them to New Jersey agriculture. A lot of kids don’t know where their food comes from.” Sheryl Smolensky and Kelly DiNinno of Country Dog City Cat, said the farmers market is as much about making local connections as it is about providing local produce, or in their case, organic treats and toys for pets.
”It just gives the community a real center,” said Ms. Smolensky, of Robbinsville. “It really means a lot to people in this day and age where things are being shipped in to say that we support local (farmers).”
The market is open every Monday from 3 p.m. To 7:30 p.m. until Sept. 26.

