FOLEY, Ala. — Some 40 farmers and fishermen descended on Foley Civic Center Tuesday afternoon to meet with organizers of the forthcoming Foley Farmers and Fishermen’s Market in order to learn more about the venture and sign up to participate.

Market Manager Heather Pritchard kicked off the meeting by expressing appreciation of famers and fishermen.

“Ya’ll have the ability to produce food,” she said, “and that’s a basic need.”

Also on hand were representatives from the Alabama Department of Public Health, Baldwin County Extension Office, Marine Resources Division and the state Famers Market Authority touching on requirements and regulations vendors would need to follow, such as business licenses, grower’s permits and Alabama Seafood Dealer’s licenses, among others.

Pritchard said that although recent rain has hindered construction of the facility, the city of Foley’s goal is to open the market on Oct. 1.

“We’re going to have a soft opening,” she said.

Pritchard explained that fall season running to Nov. 16. During that time, it would be open each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. If interest is high, there will be a winter season.

“Then we’ll come back in the spring,” Pritchard said.

She explained that the 30-stall, covered facility would have electricity, water, ice and an ATM at its County Road 20 location. The stalls would be 10-by-12 feet. Rental of those stalls is available in three options: $280 for the full fall season, $40 per week or daily rates that include $10 on Tuesdays, $15 on Fridays and $20 for Saturdays.

Among those attending were Robertsdale farmers Alecia and Mike Forland, who pointed out that working out kinks in such a new venture is inevitable.

“Everybody needs to be patient at first,” Alecia Forland said.

Beekeeper Cheryl Kittrell of Weeks Bay expressed appreciation of both the market and Tuesday’s meeting.

“It’s very well done,” she said.

For more information, contact Pritchard at 597-5557 or mktmgrfoley@gmail.com.