What problems do local farmers face?

HINTON, WV (WVNS) – Farmers markets are a staple of West Virginia culture.

From May through October, the public can purchase fresh produce and goods every Saturday at the Hinton Farmers Market.

Farmers put a lot of time and effort into growing crops for sale, but setbacks can lead to setbacks.

Paula Brammer, owner of Elizabeth Farms, told 59News she would love to have vegetables for sale, but she hopes business will improve in the future.

“Right now I don’t have any vegetables. We’ve had a bit of a slow, tough start to our season. The weather has been a bit erratic. So when we planted our first crop, all of our plants died and we had to replant. I should have tomatoes and cucumbers in about a week or so, but a lot of the farmers are behind,” Brammer said.

Fortunately, some vendors had a variety of other products to sell, but Brammer said other farmers are suffering. This setback could cause economic problems.

“Some farmers certainly do because when it’s hot and dry, the crops don’t grow as well. The crops outside. If you have a greenhouse and you have to irrigate it, it costs more because you’re using more water. So it impacts in a lot of different ways,” Brammer told 59News.

Brammer said everyone who participates in the Hinton Farmers Market is local and they are your friends. She said they try to sell things that are all natural.