'Fresh Food, Fresh Location': Duke Farms Farmers Market Moving To Somerville In 2024

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Duke Farms Farmer's Market is moving to Somerville beginning in June of 2024.

The change in location came after the Borough of Somerville, Duke Farms, and the Somerville Board of Education came to an agreement to have the Somerville Alliance for Food Education (SAFE) in partnership with Duke Farms run the regional farmers market and lead the transition to the Somerville Middle School.

This decision followed a vote by the Somerville Board of Education on Tuesday night,which was the final step in the approval process for the move.

The farmers market previously announced in May it would be moving to Raritan but due to logistics, the location didn't work out.

"This new location is more easily accessible to a broader community of shoppers and will support the continued growth of the market," said Margaret Waldock, Executive Director of Duke Farms. "We’re very proud of the farmer’s market and our partnership with 35 vendors and we’re excited to support its successful transition to the borough of Somerville."

Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, has hosted the farmers market for the past eight years during which time the market has grown to 35 vendors.

The 2023 farmers market is currently in full swing through Nov. 19 and will continue at Duke Farms in Hillsborough through the end of this 2023 season.

In 2024 the market will be held at the Somerville Middle School at 51 W Cliff St.

"Fresh food, fresh air and a fresh location - it's what everyone has been working for. I’m so excited that this plan has come together," said Jason Kraska Somerville OEM Coordinator. "It's an honor to bring to Somerville the successful farmers market created by Duke Farms. The market will bring yet another dynamic weekly event that will help not only the residents of Somerville, but ensure that the regional market is available to all area residents."

"I'm extremely honored to have been a part of the Duke Farms Farmers' Market since its inception in 2015. As a vendor myself, and now the Market Manager, I've enjoyed getting to know thousands of people and vendors on a personal level over the years. This is not a 'goodbye' to the Farmers' Market, it's more of a 'see you next season'," said Jenn Nikitczuk, Duke Farms Market Manager.

"The Downtown Somerville Alliance is excited to support SAFE and the endeavor to work with Duke Farms to bring the farmers’ market to Somerville," said Natalie Pineiro, downtown managing consultant of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. "We know this will go a long way to ensuring access to a variety of freshly grown foods, serve as a hub for education about where and how these foods are grown, and create a welcome connection to downtown Somerville."

The Duke Farms Market currently runs every Sunday from May 7 through Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1112 Dukes Parkway West in Hillsborough.

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