When Will Seattle Farmers Markets Reopen? | Eater Seattle

"I watched efforts to bring the West Seattle Farmers Market back on Easter weekend after a month-long shutdown, with NFM outlining safety measures such as 6 to 10 foot spacing between booths, regular sanitization of high-touch areas, and protective gear for staff, and reporting clearance from county and city health and sustainability offices. Those plans were halted when the mayor’s office called to keep markets closed, which led to emotional, last-minute requests for farmers to stop harvesting and vendors to cease baking and selling, and highlighted tensions over Seattle’s decision to treat markets as permitted public events; concerns were heightened by reports and photos on West Seattle Blog of an “informal farmers market” operating March 29. NFM stresses that markets are essential food access points, notes the heavy economic toll on farms (about 80%+ of household income), and is continuing to work with city leaders while encouraging support via the Good Farmers Fund and direct purchases from vendors." - Gabe Guarente