Starting this Saturday and continuing on the first Saturday of every month going forward, the Lanai Farmers Market will offer local produce, fish, eggs, flowers and more.

The new farmers market will be at Lanai Entry Park, next to the fire station. According to the county, the Lanai Farmers Market grew out of a collaboration among the Maui County Department of Agriculture, County Council Member Gabe Johnson, County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Lanai chapter of the nonprofit Hawai’i Farmers Union, which will manage the market.

“Iʻm so happy to have the first-ever farmers market on a county park happen on Lanai,” Johnson said in a statement. “With the costs of food rising with inflation, it’s important that our communities gain access to healthy locally produced food. It’s a win for our farmers. It’s a win for our families.”

In addition to providing shoppers with locally grown food and more, the farmers market should create new opportunities for businesses and island producers.

“Markets like this create space for farmers, ranchers and fishers to connect directly with neighbors, and that keeps more of our food grown, caught and sold here at home,” said Kirsten Ham, HFU’s chief operating officer. “Covering vendor fees for the first six months is one way HFU is glad to support, and we’re excited to see how this market strengthens food security and opportunity on Lanai.”

According to Department of Agriculture Director Kali Arce, the farmers market will complement the existing Saturday market at Dole Park by offering additional options for Lanai produce and products.

“The community will be able to purchase Lanai-grown produce and Lanai-made hot foods that will be made with at least 50% Lanai-grown ingredients,” Arce said. “Also, the market will improve the local economy by supporting Lanai agriculture producers. Importantly, agriculture lands are being put into food production and can incentivize others to grow more food. Any amount of food locally grown or harvested — be it produce, eggs, meat or fish — will reduce the amount of food needed to be imported.”

As the market grows, it is expected to expand its food access programs, including the Maui County-supported Lanai Food Stimulus Program, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the statewide DA BUX program, which doubles the spending power of SNAP customers purchasing local produce.

Lanai food producers interested in joining the market can find the vendor application at www.mauicounty.gov/agriculture.