The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market Association (SBCFMA) provides farmers in California with direct access to sell their products to the local communities. Founded in 1983 as a Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation, its goal is to create a vibrant and healthy marketplace that benefits both farmers and consumers alike. It offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce and products, as well as educational opportunities and events that promote sustainable agriculture and healthy eating.

In 1979, Santa Barbara became home to one of California’s first 20 farmers’ markets. The market was held at the historic Santa Barbara Mission, providing locals with a convenient place to purchase fresh produce and other goods. The success of this initial market led to the creation of additional farmers’ markets throughout Santa Barbara County. Today, these markets play a vital role in the local economy and provide residents with access to healthy, affordable food.

Some of the farmers who sold their products at the very first farmers’ market held in town can still be found selling their goods at the current farmers’ markets. These long-time market vendors offer a wealth of experience and history, providing customers with a unique connection to the local food scene. Whether you’re looking for the freshest fruits and vegetables or wanting to chat with a friendly face, make sure to check out one of Santa Barbara’s many farmers’ markets – you might just run into one of these original vendors!

As a member-owned and operated organization, the SBCFMA has expanded significantly in recent years to include around 130 members. These members participate in six different farmers’ markets held weekly across various locations including Santa Barbara, Solvang, Carpinteria, Montecito, and Goleta. The farmers’ markets are all certified, meaning that they meet certain standards set forth by the SBCFMA.

Furthermore, the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market Association is committed to adhering to the “producer to consumer” principle in direct marketing. This means that the organization is dedicated to ensuring that its members are able to connect with consumers directly, in order to sell their products. This type of marketing is the an efficient and effective way for producers to sell their goods. By cutting out the middleman, producers are able to sell their products at a lower price, while still maintaining a high level of quality.

The SBCFMA strives to deliver Santa Barbara’s most nutritious and freshest produce, coming from its rich agricultural land, directly to the local residents. It is committed to supporting local farmers and educating the community about the importance of eating locally grown food. By providing a venue for small, family farms to sell their products, the SBCFMA is ensuring that locals have access to fresh, healthy food while helping to preserve Santa Barbara’s agricultural heritage.

The summer hours for the farmers’ market begin on the second Sunday of March, when daylight savings time starts. Meanwhile, the start of winter hours is on the first Sunday of November when daylight savings time ends.

State Street

Because of its location in Downtown Santa Barbara, the State Street farmers’ market is able to attract a large number of certified agricultural producers each week – up to 60 during peak season. This makes it one of the largest weekly markets of its kind. Visitors can find a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and other products from local farms and vendors.

Each week, the State Street Promenade in Santa Barbara comes alive with people from the local community and beyond who come together to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the farmers’ market. The market is held on Tuesdays, 4pm to 7pm during summer and 3pm to 6pm during winter.

The farmers’ market in Santa Barbara is lively, with restaurants and bars surrounding it and performers lining the sidewalks. It first opened its doors in 1992 and has been a popular destination for some of the city’s best local caterers and chefs ever since. If you’re strolling down the street, you’re likely to spot one or two of them pulling their wagons along behind them.

Solvang

The city of Solvang is renowned not only for its Danish architecture, wine tasting places, bakeries, and boutique shopping, but also for the Solvang Certified Farmers’ Market. The market offers a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers. Located on First Street and Copenhagen Drive, it is open every Wednesday from 2pm to 6pm during summer and 2pm to 6pm during winter.

The Solvang farmers’ market is a great place to find the best agricultural products from the local area. The market attracts locals from nearby towns as well as tourists during the summer months, so you’re sure to find a wide selection of goods. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, handmade crafts, or delicious food, the Solvang farmers’ market is worth a visit.

At the farmers’ market in Solvang, you will find an array of certified organic flowers and products from local farmers in the immediate Solvang, Buellton, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez areas. People can find seasonal fruits and vegetables such as sweet Satsuma mandarins during winter months and peaches during summer months.

This market typically hosts between 20 and 30 certified agricultural producers on a weekly basis, depending on the season. The number of vendors may fluctuate slightly from week to week, but there is usually a consistent group of farmers that sell their goods at this market. Additionally, many people are attracted to Solvang for its fresh, locally made muffins, pasta, bread, and pies from Creekside Apple Ranch.

Carpinteria

The Carpinteria farmers’ market can be found in downtown Carpinteria, just a few blocks away from the ocean. The market is known for its laid-back atmosphere, and it’s not uncommon to see locals and tourists wearing beachwear and sandals as they browse the stalls and stroll through the place.

The agricultural sector in Carpinteria is booming, with greenhouses full of flowers that are shipped worldwide. The base of the surrounding foothills provides an ideal setting for this thriving industry. Carpinteria is not only home to a large number of avocado trees, but also cherimoya and citrus trees. The town is located in the Southern part of California and experiences a temperate climate, which is why these fruits thrive here.

The weekly market in Carpinteria includes farms from the local area, such as Foley Farms/Red Hen Cannery, Westland Floral, Myriad Flowers, Rancho Santa Cecilia, Caitlon Ranch, and Frecker Farms. The Carpinteria farmers’ market typically has between 22 and 30 agricultural producers that are certified, although this number can fluctuate depending on the season. The market is held from 3pm to 6pm in summer and 3pm to 6pm in winter.

Montecito

The farmers’ market in Montecito rotates each week, with four segments situated in the main retail area on Coast Village Rd. This allows shoppers to easily find fresh produce, meat, and other goods from certified local vendors. This particular market may be small, but you’ll find a nice selection of certified agricultural farmers weekly. You can expect to find between 12 to 15 vendors on hand, offering diverse products.

If you’re looking for something to do on a quiet morning, come down to this picturesque morning market. You can enjoy a delicious coffee and muffin from one of the nearby businesses and browse through the various stalls. The market is open on Fridays from 8am up until 11:15pm.

Cota Street

Since 1982, the Santa Barbara farmers’ market has been located at the Cota Street every Saturday. The Lash Family, one of the Cota Street market’s retired Pistachio Farms, unknowingly established the home for around 110 producers when they built this parking lot.

The market provides a space for these members to sell their produce, and has become a hub of community activity. Many of the farmers who sell at the market have been doing so for generations, and the market has become an important part of their lives.

Moreover, the farmers’ market in Cota Street is the largest and most well attended event by farmers and shoppers alike. This market is commonly referred to as the Saturday Morning Market by locals. Farmers from all around come to this market to sell their products, and customers come to buy fresh produce straight from the source.

When planning to visit, keep in mind that the farmers’ market begins at 8:30am sharp, when the market bell rings. It is then open until 1pm.

Goleta

Nestled in the heart of a thriving agricultural industry, the farmer’s market in Goleta has been providing an outlet for certified agricultural producers since 2004. On Sundays from 10am to 2pm, you’ll find over a dozen producers who have traveled less than 10 miles to get their fresh goods to market, alongside approximately 45 other certified vendors. With such a wide variety of offerings, it’s no wonder this market located at the Camino Real Marketplace has become a community staple!

The city of Goleta is most widely known for its large production of lemons and its lemon festival held annually. The nearby Girsh Park plays host to the popular event, which draws in many people from the surrounding area. In addition to lemons, Goleta is also well suited for growing satsuma mandarins, avocados, and oranges. This variety of fruit helps to contribute to the city’s reputation as a hub for agricultural production.

The farmers’ market at the the Camino Real Marketplace in Goleta provides an atmosphere that is very family friendly. This is a great place to bring your kids if you want them to experience a farmers’ market and see where some of their food comes from. There are often live musical performances and other entertainment at the market, so there is always something going on.

We hope this article has given you enough information about the Santa Barbara Farmers’ Market, including when it takes place and what kind of products are available. The market is a great place to find fresh, locally grown produce, as well as prepared foods and other artisanal goods.