Freshness on the Move

Discerning consumers seek a shopping experience as nourishing for the soul as the food is for their bodies. Wandering stall to stall, taking in the sights and smells of a farmers market helps the public feel more connected to their food and its producers.

Jon and Pat Kelley grew up with agriculture in their blood. Reared in a farming family, the two brothers struck out on their own and founded Kelley’s Berry Farm.

Specializing in blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and peaches, the Kelleys peddle their wares at their on-farm retail stand and farmers markets throughout the state.

Jon Kelley’s stance on freshness is simple.

“You pick what you need, and then you sell it later that day,” Kelley says. “The fresher, the better.”

The Kelleys plan their weekly farmers market visits based on geographical location and popularity of the market. Jon will drive up to 50 miles for a farmers market, but he uses his time wisely.

“In the summer, we try to go to two to three markets with bigger turnouts, or it’s not worth standing out there,” Kelley says. “The more customers, the merrier.”

At farmers markets such as the Franklin Farmers Market, the Saturday Farmers Market and the Hip Donelson Community Farmers Market, the Kelleys sell their produce to eager new customers and familiar faces.

“We have a lot of regulars who appreciate our quality and freshness,” Kelley says. “You want to leave your customers saying, ‘Man, that’s some good stuff.’”

The juicy gems of Kelley’s Berry Farm have a rapidly growing fan base, even garnering the coveted “Best Tasting Strawberry” award from the Franklin Farmers Market in 2014.

But the offerings of Tennessee farmers markets are not limited to berries and other fruits. Vegetables, flowers, cheeses, soaps, honey, candles and other regionally produced items are scooped up by delighted shoppers.

Many of the vendors at these farmers markets are members of the Pick Tennessee Products program, which promotes locally produced food, plants and agritourism.

The Kelley family is proud to be a part of a program that supports farmers, artisans and processors.

For more information about Tennessee farmers markets, visit picktnproducts.org.