The Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market is now accepting vendor applications for the 2025 season, and organizers are encouraging a wide range of local growers and makers to join. Known for its focus on fresh, locally sourced products, the market also supports accessibility by accepting EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards and participating in the Kentucky Double Dollars program, which allows EBT users to double their spending on fresh produce.
With nearly 100 spaces available, the market seeks to continue its mission of connecting the community with high-quality, local goods. Vendor guidelines emphasize local production, with all goods required to be grown or made within a 50-mile radius of Owensboro. This stipulation, aligned with Kentucky farmers’ market guidelines, ensures that customers receive truly local products.
“Everything sold at the market is grown or crafted by the people in our region,” said Market Manager Mary Beth Alexander.
Craft vendors are limited to 30% of the total participants to prioritize fresh produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods.
“While we welcome artisans, our primary focus remains on fresh, locally grown and made food items,” Alexander added.
Interested vendors can apply here. Applications for the 2025 season will remain open until January 24. A $50 membership fee is required, which includes the cost of a business license secured by the market on behalf of vendors. Late applications will be accepted until January 31 but will incur an additional $25 fee.
“We’re always looking for new produce vendors, especially,” Alexander said.
Once approved, vendors can choose how frequently they want to participate throughout the season, making the market accessible for a range of producers, from small-scale urban gardeners to larger farms. Vendors also have the opportunity to request their preferred space — either under the pavilion or in the parking lot.
“Spaces under the pavilion are highly sought after,” Alexander said. “We give preference to returning vendors, but we strive to accommodate new vendors’ preferences as much as possible.”
The market, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will host training for participating vendors in early February, a requirement for those involved in the market’s nutrition assistance programs, including the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for WIC and seniors.
Alexander said one of the market’s standout features is its acceptance of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, which significantly expanded in 2024. Through the Kentucky Double Dollars program, EBT participants can double their spending power on fresh produce, up to $20 per market day.
“If someone swipes their card for $20, they receive $40 to spend on fresh, healthy foods,” Alexander said.
This initiative not only benefits families using EBT but also bolsters the local agricultural economy.
“It helps the local agricultural economy, and families gain better access to fresh, nutritious food,” Alexander said.
The upcoming season will officially open on April 12, with the market expected to operate its popular Tuesday morning and Thursday evening sessions during the summer months. The final schedule for additional market days will be decided by the membership in February.
