Our farmers markets are application-based, and there is often a lot to learn about the history and mission of each vendor from their submissions. In their application, farmers Michele and Manny kept it simple, "Canales Produce has been growing certified organically since 1994. We believe in taking care of the land and growing healthy food for everyone."

No strangers to hard work, David Mackie and Bonnie Briggs of Skinny Kitty Farms found their way to farming through an unexpected journey. Our own Sarah Schu had the opportunity to photograph the pair in a day in the life on the farm, along with their son Jasper. In this photo essay, learn more about Skinny Kitty Farms, and take a peek behind the scenes.

Broken Shovel Kiwi Farm is one of a kind- the only vendor at our markets growing and selling hardy kiwis. Farmer Robert Williams is the one-man show behind Broken Shovel, an enthusiast put on earth to spread the word about the incredible little berry. “What I want to emphasize is it’s not just that [hardy kiwis] taste great,” Robert told us, “The health aspect is what got me interested.” Learn more about how Robert’s curiosity about hardy kiwis turned into a lifestyle.

Farmer Chris runs a tight ship at Windy Acre Farm, a roughly 3 acre mixed vegetable farm nestled in Kent, WA. At 25, he is still considered a young farmer, though his experience rivals that of many of his older peers. Farmer Chris started Windy Acre when he was 15 years old and runs the business with the goal of working with nature, not against it. Learn more about this incredible young farmer!

If you've ever visited the University District Farmers Market, chances are you've seen Farmer Katsumi Taki surrounded by his incredible specialty crops. Fresh and candied ginger, chestnuts, yuzu, Japanese cucumbers- the list goes on. Farmer Taki himself is hard to miss- his beaming smile beneath a weathered straw hat warm you right up on even the drizzliest of market days. Read on to learn more about this wonderful farmer.

Meet Jim and Carmela Cook, the two total sweethearts behind Little Wing Farm. In 1989, Jim and Carmela invited friends Scott and Wynne Beaton to check out a piece of land in Chelan, WA, which would later become Jerzy Boyz Farm. You might recognize the name, Jerzy Boyz sells apples the University District Farmers Market to this day! Driven by an urge to expand beyond apples, Carmela and Jim decided to start their own farm, Little Wing, on the same property. Read on to learn more about Little Wing Farm!

Lee Lor Garden holds a special place in our hearts. They have been with us almost as long as the organization has existed, joining us at the West Seattle Farmers Market every Sunday since day one twenty years ago. Lee and Blia Lor's children grew up helping out in the booth and on the farm, and it has been a joy watching them grow up. We reached out to Lee and Blia’s daughter Melisa for a little context about the Lor family, and the history of their business.

Richard Ness and Mary Young-Ness of Kittitas Valley Greenhouse have magical powers- They can make summer come early. Or at least that's how it feels when they arrive to market with big, beautiful tomatoes way at the beginning of May. The secret is less of an alchemy and more of a science, (stop reading here if you want to preserve the image of farmer Rich waving a wand)…

Which came first, the farm, or the tractor? In Farmer Ryan’s case, definitely the tractor. ”About 10 years ago I purchased an antique tractor, and that kind of started my farming career.” Learn more about what’s going on at Steel Wheel Farm and the creative folks behind it.

Cristina and Kevin of K&C Farms grow orchard fruit and row crops. Kevin is partial to stone fruit, while Cristina prefers tomatoes and cucumbers. Cristina’s love of cucumbers is absolutely infectious. She’ll often send market staff home with her latest favorite variety, just so they can try it! Learn more about the wonderful family behind K&C Farms.

Residents of Washington State for more than a decade, The Cabreras are a beautiful family of four who preside over ten acres of land at Viva Farms, a Farm Business Incubator and Training Program established in 2009. Read on to learn more about Cabrera Farms!

This is a love story. Yes about a young couple, yes about a passion for farming and working the land, but mostly about a sweet pup named Gracie. Read on to learn the story behind Gracie’s Greens.

Sena Sea is the product of generations of fishing expertise and a family culture deeply rooted in ocean bounty. Read on to learn more about this week’s featured vendor!

Jeremy Faber’s goals for Foraged & Found to protect the ecosystems he and his products depend on, working with natural cycles rather than attempting to manipulate them. Read on to learn more about this sustainable local business!