Our Story

A Brief History of the Onslow County Farmers Market Association, Inc.

The Greater Jacksonville/Onslow Farmers’ Market began as a collaboration between  local farmers, Onslow County Cooperative Extension and local government.  Following incorporation in October of 1996 the first market opened in May of 1997 at the intersection of US 17 and Western Blvd. in Jacksonville.

In  2000 the farmers market lost its location and didn’t operate again until 2002, when vendors started selling under tents in the parking lot of the county’s multi-purpose building.  In the interim through the efforts of both our county government and State Senator Charlie Albertson funds were raised and a farmers market building was completed in the fall of 2004.  In the spring of 2005 the market opened in its new building at 4024 Richlands Highway  with its dedication in honor of Mr. Jeff Morton who had worked  tirelessly for so many years bringing it to fruition.

In 2007 our charter was amended changing the name to Onslow County Farmers’ Market, Inc. as a precursor to obtaining our 501 (c)(3) status in 2008.  In May of 2009 the market opened its second location at 1108 Western Blvd. Currently the highway 258 market opens its season the second Saturday of April and remains open Tuesday and Saturdays, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm through the first Saturday of November, while its Western Blvd operates each Thursday, 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm during the same months of the year.

The market is not only a venue for local farmers to sell produce; it’s a family friendly environment. At least one Saturday each month events with special emphasis on peak season produce occur.  These events include demonstrations,  June’s Summer Fest brings hayrides and a petting zoo. In July the annual Farmers’ Market Idol showcases local talent. Every October, a Fall Festival features bobbin for apples, cakewalks and more. The association in partnership with the Onslow County Cooperative Extension and the Onslow County Master Gardeners is active in promoting agriculture awareness in our community through county school field trips to its Growing Minds learning stations , as well as to conduct a twenty  week-long gardening class each spring.