Farm to table at the farmers market

Tiffin is known for its small-town atmosphere, is home to two college universities, houses a rich history and has deep roots in agriculture. The earliest settlers of Tiffin in the 1800s relied heavily on agriculture. Today, Tiffin still recognizes the importance of agriculture with the most vivid example the Tiffin Seneca Farmers Market. The market, organized by Seneca County Common Ground, focuses on connecting local farmers with consumers. The mission of the market is to promote the exchange of fresh, quality, local food and agricultural products between the agricultural producers of Seneca County and its residents and visitors for the purpose of supporting local growers, providing a quality product to consumers and supporting sustainable agriculture. Located downtown on Washington Street, the market takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning in May and running through the end of October. Vendors must grow, raise or create at least 60 percent of their products. The remaining 40% can come from other growers, which helps provide a variety of fruits and veggies, even those that may be out of season in the area. This year's market features mostly local vendors with others traveling from as far as Bowling Green. Standout vendors for this market include Riehm's Produce Farm, Countryside Acre, Bella Cuisine, Clayhill Organic Farm, Ahrens Family Farm, Simply Sweet Treats, Baked by Bells and Thayer Family Garden. The standout products are fresh produce, baked goods and fresh flowers. "It supports the community. It draws attention to the community. We can give them foods without a lot of preservatives and we have fresh vegetables coming in and I think that's important," said Linda Lambert, owner of Bella Cuisine. Lambert has been a vendor at this market for close to 17 years. She explained how setting up at the farmers market for her can be her social outing, and she greatly enjoys being around the people who attend, saying they are very nice and loyal. Emily Riehle, Executive Director of Common Ground, took over the market this year and explained it is doing extremely well, especially with being back on Washington Street. "The Tiffin Farmers Market is a special place where we truly celebrate local offerings," Riehle said. "Our vendors take pride in growing their own produce, baking delicious homemade goods, and creating beautiful handcrafted items." All produce vendors are positioned on one side of the street to keep the sun from hitting the fresh produce in the morning. New at the market this year is a market-to-kitchen class, utilizing the Tiffin Community Kitchen. Led by Chef Katie Snitker, it features tips on how to shop at the market and how to turn a haul into a delicious meal. Those interested in participating as a vendor can reach out directly to Riehle at director@sccommonground.org or can submit a vendor application online at https://www.tiffinsenecafarmersmarket.com/vendors.