BY JOHANN HAMILTON
Jamaica Avenue will be a getting a lot greener this summer with the return of the Jamaica Farmers Market.
The Greater Jamaica Development Corporation and Down To Earth Markets (DTE) is hosting the market, which is in its 39th year. It currently features four vendors: Alex’s Tomato Farm, John D. Madura Farms, Gajeski Produce and Migliorelli Farms. Each will be at the market every weekend.
Miriam Haas founded DTE as Community Markets in 1991. The name changed in 2012 to reflect an emphasis on producing food from the Earth. DTE also runs about 20 other markets throughout the city, including the Queens Botanical Garden Farmers’ Market and a Sunday market in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
“The Jamaica Market is great because it exists in an area where there aren’t many options for good, fresh produce,” said Ashley Robinson, market host and manager of DTE. “It’s nice to see regulars, and it’s an important service for the community.”
Among the dozens of goods available at the market, there will be oregano, tomatoes, garlic, spinach, parsley and more. Each vendor will bring its own homegrown selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and other products. The market has received positive feedback from Jamaica residents so far.
“It’s a good thing for this area because all that’s around here is mostly fast food places,” said Linda Jeffreys. “Now over the summer I don’t have to get in my car to get fresh veggies. I can just walk over here.”
The Jamaica Farmers Market opens at 8:30 a.m. every Friday and Saturday and goes until 4 p.m. It is located on 160th Street and Jamaica Avenue, and will take place from June 21 to November 23.
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