Organic Farmer's Market at CCC

During summer term, students in Clackamas Community College’s new Urban Agriculture certificate program are hosting their own organic farmer’s market on Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon in the Barlow Quad area. Money raised will go toward scholarships.

At the farmer’s market, shoppers will find a fresh selection of organic produce for sale. The produce cart, parked in the Barlow Quad area on Mondays during summer term, is staffed by helpful CCC Urban Agriculture students. Lettuce, snow peas and herbs were available during the students’ first sale held July 2.

Urban Agriculture student Kim Irving says they expect to add tomatoes, eggplant, squash, potatoes, carrots, chard and cucumbers to the market selection as they ripen during the summer. She explains that the fresh produce they sell is all grown at the class’s organic farm located near Clairmont Hall. She says, “We sell the produce the same morning we harvest it. . . . Our Urban Agriculture class practices harvesting in a clean and healthy way. We sanitize the food and follow safety practices.”

Money raised by the farmer’s market will go toward scholarships for CCC students. Horticulture Department chairwoman Elizabeth Howley excitedly notes, “In just 30 minutes into our first sale, we had enough money to pay for two credits for a CCC student.” She also notes that “The leftover food will be given to students and a local food bank.”