Rotating Extension Article

For: Week of March 8, 2004

By: Daniel E. Mullins

Extension Horticulture Agent

Santa Rosa County

Milton’s Riverwalk Market to Be Bigger and Better This Year

Nothing tastes better than fresh produce straight from the farm, and local producers are busy planting and preparing for the spring and summer harvest. Connecting the producer with the consumer while fruits and vegetables are at their best is sometimes challenging. In an effort to better meet the needs of buyers and sellers, the county producers’ market was moved to downtown Milton last spring.

The new name is the Riverwalk Market and it is located at the corner of Willing and Berryhill Streets adjacent to the Milton Riverwalk. Watch for an announcement concerning the 2004 opening date.

Moving the market was a cooperative effort between many organizations and individuals. Team Santa Rosa’s Agri-business Committee was active in planning, providing logistical support and funds. A grant was secured that has helped with marketing. Committee members include farmers and representatives from the business community, the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center, USDA Farm Services Agency, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and UF/IFAS Santa Rosa County Extension.

The Riverwalk Market is actively seeking vendors for the upcoming season. Recent changes allow for a variety of items other than produce to be sold on market days this year. These include herbs, plants, cut flowers, mulches, approved food items, baskets and other crafts. A market manager will be on duty beginning in early April.

Other changes are being made in hopes that this new Market will become an important part of the downtown experience. There are plans to offer indoor space for vendors who prefer an enclosed area and for use during rainy days.

Improved parking, a design for better movement through the market and improved signs and labeling should also help to make shopping a more positive experience.

Being a part of establishing this market in downtown Milton has been quite an experience. Though everyone involved has been cooperative, there are an unbelievable number of details that must be considered.

A recent check of the records revealed that the Team Santa Rosa Agri-business Committee has met thirty-five times since January, 2002. Though other projects were discussed, most of the business dealt with establishing the Riverwalk Market. Santa Rosa County Commissioner Don Salter serves as Chair of the Agri-business Committee and has been consistent in his efforts to see the Market succeed.

Anyone who is interested in buying or selling at the Riverwalk market can obtain more information by contacting the Team Santa Rosa office at 850-623-0174 or the Santa Rosa County Extension office at 850-623-3868.