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Uncertain weather thinned the expected turnout, but Green Valley’s new farmers market opened Friday at 4 p.m. at John Robinson Jr. Town Square.
Market coordinator and Green Valley Civic Association President Portia Clark had worked since April to navigate special permits, occupancy requirements and other Arlington County procedures. Although she coordinated with the county, Clark said the market is not officially part of the Arlington Farmers Market network.
Eight vendors and eight information providers had registered for opening day, though the unsettled forecast appeared to keep some participants away.
Mediterranean Farm Kitchen arrived with 48 homemade pita breads, farm-grown olives from Bethlehem and several varieties of hummus, including spicy, basil-garlic, beet, ginger and olive oil. Each item was priced at $7.
Nearby, Suka Nuts founder Renee Mehrdad displayed homemade granola packed with nuts, seasoned peanuts, candied fruit and the company’s popular bourbon-maple pecans. Mehrdad started the business in 2022 and makes its snacks and confections while her daughter handles administrative duties.
Community organizations also participated. Eco-Action Arlington volunteers Mark Dsouza and Tatiana Russell staffed one information table, while Moms Demand Action volunteers operated another nearby.
Goldman Farm, a sixth-generation family farm, offered spring vegetables including cucumbers, asparagus, green onions, Russian red kale and bunches of collard greens.
The farmer running its stand said Goldman Farm belongs to a rural group of about 10 farmers who help one another when a member runs short of particular produce. With few customers near Cullen, Virginia, he said the farmers need to bring their goods to the city. The group eventually hopes to hand its farming operations to a younger generation.
Clark said she was delighted to see families, friends and other visitors from Arlington and across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia region shopping, talking and building relationships in the square.
The Green Valley Farmers Market will operate Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m.