We’ve been listening.
Over the past week, many of you have shared heartfelt feedback about your experiences with the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market — and we want to say thank you. It’s not easy to speak up, and your honesty is not only appreciated — it’s necessary.
The market has been a part of the heartbeat of this region for decades. It was built on a spirit of local connection, nourishment, and care for the land and community — and it’s clear that spirit still lives here, even as we face new and mounting challenges together.
We hear you on:
- Timing and accessibility. The weekday, mid-day schedule works for some — but leaves out many. We know it’s difficult (or impossible) for working families, students, and commuters. We also know the parking situation, lack of shade, and walkability at certain locations are real barriers. We hear your frustration, and we’re actively exploring alternative options.
- Location. We’ve heard your longing for a true community experience, not just a transaction. You’ve made comparisons to markets in Arcata, Eugene, Grants Pass, and others — and we take that seriously. We’re not trying to recreate those markets — we want to create our own uniquely Ashland version. But we need your help to do that. We have sought out a site that best meets the needs of our market and the community but spaces to host something of this size are limited in Ashland. We hope you’ll share ideas with us via the survey provided so we can return to key stakeholders and the City of Ashland with clear requests from our community about what you feel is needed.
- Vendor variety. Some of you have noticed shifts in what’s available — and you’re not wrong. We know that a thriving market means options. We’re supporting new vendors, encouraging diversity of offerings, and doing our best to make sure the market reflects the full richness of our region.
- Equity and inclusion. When we hear that the market feels exclusive — we take that seriously. Local food is for everyone, and the perception that it’s not, is something we cannot ignore. We’re reflecting deeply on how to rebuild trust, welcome more voices to the table, and return to the core values of community, equity, and nourishment for all.
So where do we go from here?
We don’t have all the answers — but we are here, and we are listening.
We want to keep listening. If you care about the future of the market — whether you’ve been coming for years or haven’t made it in a while — please take a few minutes to fill out our community survey. Your voice matters, and your feedback will directly shape what comes next.
Link to survey: https://forms.gle/p6wiFJnws16S1Wuh9
Over the next several months, we’ll be:
- Reviewing location options that ideally better meet our communities’ needs and desires as well as exploring if immediate improvements can be made to our current location to resolve some concerns you have shared.
- Exploring alternative days/times — including potential evening or weekend options
- Working to enhance understanding of programs like Double Up Food Bucks and SNAP-matching to help make fresh, local food more accessible
We are proud of the market’s legacy — but we know history alone won’t carry us forward. Only real community dialogue, bold adjustments, and continued collaboration will. We’re not perfect, but we’re committed.
If you’d like to get involved, share more input outside of the survey, or run for a community member seat on our Board of Directors please reach out directly to:
From all of us, thank you for continuing to show up, speak out, and demonstrate deep commitment to the betterment of our community marketplace.
Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market
Rooted in Community. Growing Together.
