“History of Coastal Growers Market: According to Founding Farmers Mike and Polly Hutchison”

In the Spring of 2002, Mike and Polly Hutchison had been the farm managers of Casey Farm in Saunderstown for nearly ten years, starting and running the Community Supported Agriculture or “CSA” program there. Mike and Polly heard from other local farmers that they were having trouble getting in to other local markets and needed a new way to get produce to customers. It was out of necessity and desire from a group of local farmers that they came up with the idea of creating a farmer-owned market that was fun and cooperative.

Founding farmers with Casey Farm included “Ledge Ends” Farm of East Greenwich, Earth Care Farm, and Matunuck Oyster Farm banded together with Village Hearth Bakery and others. The creation of the market enabled farmers to work together and make decisions putting the interest of local farmers together with the desire for great local produce among our customers. The Coastal Growers’ Market was and is rooted in these founding principles.

With just 7 vendors that very first year, word caught on and locals were coming out in droves to purchase produce directly from the farmers. Artisans, coffee, meat, music performances, and food vendors were added over time to provide more of an event experience for tourists, families, and local market supporters alike. With every year the market grew and met a need to continue offering markets through the winter; bringing Coastal Growers to what it is today. The market remains true to its initial goal today; a vendor-owned market that provides locally produced and sourced goods for the community.

Coastal Growers invites you to stop by one Saturday morning to have the farmer market experience that just might become your weekly ritual; supporting your local farmer who feeds us each night!