Our Story
In the late 1970s, concerns grew about the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in California, especially with big agriculture dominating small farms and creating food deserts in inner cities. The state responded with direct marketing legislation in 1978-79, aiming to connect small family farmers with consumers in communities lacking access to fresh produce.
Certified farmers markets emerged as a strategy to address these issues. A young Tom Cloman, recognized for his leadership in consumer co-op management in Berkeley and the Bay Area, was brought in by Governor Jerry Brown’s administration to lead this initiative. In 1983, the Richmond Certified Farmers Market was born under Mr. Cloman’s stewardship at Broadway and MacDonald Ave, next to a Catholic Church. Since then, the farmer’s market has moved in front of the Richmond Library, and then to the parking lot of Barrett Ave. & 24th Street, and now it’s back in front of the library at Civic Center Plaza.
On April 7th, 2024 we opened our second Farmer’s Market location in Marina Bay Park.