(GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.) — Berkshire Grown will host a Winter Farmers’ Market on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2015, from 10am to 2pm at Monument Valley Regional Middle School (313 Monument Valley Road) in Great Barrington. This is the first market that the organization has ever sponsored in February, a month when most farmers’ markets are not open in the region. Admission is free and for the first time, the market will be equipped to process EBT cards/ SNAP benefits on site.

The February market will showcase the Berkshire winter bounty of apples, pears, celery root, potatoes, carrots, beets, winter squash, leeks, kale, lettuce, onions, garlic, and chard, as well as eggs, grass fed pork and beef, over a dozen different kinds of locally produced cheeses, yogurt, jams, chutneys, pickles, dried herbs, fermented vegetables, cordials, vinegars, cider, maple syrup, honey, and delicious baked goods. Grilled sausages and wood fired pizza with locally grown toppings will be on sale to eat at the festive event.

Guitarist Cosby Gibson will provide musical entertainment. Children’s activities will include hands-on snack-making with Food Adventures and Valentine’s Day card-making with Alison Reisel.

“Buying fresh locally grown and produced food directly from a farmer will be the best way to give a Valentine to our local farmers, ” said Barbara Zheutlin, executive director of Berkshire Grown. “Berkshire Grown loves our farmers for growing delicious food here in the Berkshires, helping to keep our region beautiful and bountiful.”

Berkshire Grown’s debut winter market, which was held on January 17, was successful, drawing more than 800 shoppers. “We were thrilled by the turnout,” said Zheutlin. “Holding a market in winter is risky. So the community’s response is heartwarming, shows they want to support local farmers year round.”

Berkshire Grown supports and promotes local agriculture as a vital part of the Berkshire community, economy, and landscape; its mission is to “Keep farmers farming!” Through events, workshops, promotions, advocacy, and education highlighting locally grown and produced food, Berkshire Grown helps to create a thriving local food economy. For more information or to become a member of the non-profit organization, see www.berkshiregrown.org or call 413.528.0041.