The idea began two years ago during the agriculture business class at BCHS, taught by Blake Hackman, FFA advisor. As a board member for the Brownstown Chamber of Commerce, Hackman had often discussed the need for a farmer’s market with the board of directors and had taken an express interest in the project. From the students' research, many questions were answered – location, operational hours, supervision.

But the project came to a standstill when the ag-business class ended for the year, so Hackman asked his Brownstown Central FFA officers to take over. That is when James Driscoll, vice-president of the FFA, took it upon himself to pursue the idea. He made presentations to the chamber of commerce and the town board several times to get approval, he researched other markets to create a by-laws and application form, he filled out a grant application to get money for a sign and worked with Jerry Brown, art teacher at the high school and middle school, to create a design for the sign.

The market runs from May 1 to Oct. 31 and everyone is welcome to participate, but only produce from Jackson County will be sold. Other goods allowed at the market are honey from bees owned by the seller, herbs, nursery crops, dried items straw, baked goods and other homemade craft items. The market will be self-governing, but sellers may be disqualified for not abiding by the rules.

Application and by-laws are available at town hall, the chamber office, 119 W. Walnut St. or by clicking HERE.