About Us

Friends of the Farmers Market, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting the benefits of locally ground and sustainably produced food. By placing farmers at the heart of our mission, we foster a resilient local food and craft ecosystem. Through education and advocacy, we empower the community to embrace sustainable agriculture and healthy eating. We provide support for vendors, ensure effective market management, and cultivate a vibrant local economy and community gathering place where people can connect, share, learn, and shop.

An outdoor plant sale booth at Draper Springs Nursery & Gardens with potted plants and gardening supplies, accompanied by shoppers browsing and chatting, against a colorful mural background.
Fresh leafy greens, radishes, lettuce, cauliflower, and seedlings displayed at a farmer's market stand under a wooden pavilion with tents and people in the background.
Woman with a blue helmet and backpack making a purchase at a farmer's market stall with various plants and gardening supplies, while a man smiles at her. Other market stalls and people in the background.

Board of Directors

Comprised of community and vendor members, the Board has acted as the liaison with the Town of Blacksburg for the operation of the Blacksburg Farmers Market since 2004, and in 2009 spearheaded the design and construction of Market Square Park and its pavilion.

Executive Committee

  • Josh McGilliard

    PRESIDENT

  • Ingrid Mans

    SECRETARY

  • Lora Jones

    TREASURER

  • Deb Edwards

    MARKET DIRECTOR

  • Martha Biggar

    VENDOR CHAIRPERSON

  • Laina Schneider

    Vice President

Directors

History

In 1996 the Town of Blacksburg and the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg came together to build nine semi-covered brick and steel open-air structures at the edge of a public parking lot and adjacent to Roanoke Street. The Market continued to attract new vendors and more shoppers.

The leadership of the town requested that the Friends of the Farmers Market (the FFM), a volunteer advocacy group, take over management of the market. Vendors and patrons have benefited from the FFM overseeing market operations. As a producer-only market, everything sold at market is either made, produced or grown within a 50-mile radius limit, thus ensuring consistently high-quality local food and products.

Since the establishment of FFM, the vendors have gained a collective voice in the operation of the Market as eight vendors serve on the FFM’s Board of Directors. The growth of the market and changes in management also prompted need for a new structure and different configuration of vendor stalls.

A man wearing a cap and sunglasses is holding a basket of produce at a farmers market. He is surrounded by tables with various fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes. Several people are visible in the background under white tents.

Market Square Park

On December 4, 2009 Market Square Park was completed, just in time for the town’s annual seasonal celebration “Winter Lights” that includes the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree and a parade. New and veteran patrons came out on April 3, 2010 for the Grand Opening festivities and the return of full market hours.

People gathering at Blacksburg Market Square Park under a wooden pergola, with musicians playing instruments.