Marin Supervisors Approve Farmers Market Lease

A New Chapter for Marin County's Farmers Market

A long-awaited initiative to establish a permanent space for the farmers market at the Marin County Civic Center has taken a significant step forward. The Board of Supervisors recently approved a 40-year lease agreement with the Agricultural Institute of Marin, granting the organization access to a 3.7-acre parcel located just north of the Civic Center building. This area, often referred to as the "Christmas tree lot," has been home to the institute’s farmers markets on Thursdays and Sundays. Plans are now in place to add a third market on Tuesdays.

The project is divided into two phases, each designed to enhance the functionality and appeal of the site. In the first phase, the institute intends to install permeable pavers across most of the land. This will create a more sustainable and accessible environment for the market. The new space will also include restrooms, seating areas, drinking water stations, and tensile canopies to provide shelter from the elements.

The second phase involves the construction of three buildings in the northeast corner of the parcel. These structures will cover a total of 6,635 square feet and serve various purposes. One of the buildings will be a one-story visitors center featuring a cafe, while another will be a two-story structure containing kitchen spaces and meeting rooms. The third building will function as the organization’s office space.

Andy Naja-Riese, the chief executive officer of the Agricultural Institute of Marin, emphasized the importance of this development. “What started the farmers market 40 years ago is not what is going to keep it going for the next 40 years,” he said. “It's time for us to put down our roots and a permanent infrastructure to maintain a thriving home for our local food system for the next 40 years and beyond.”

Naja-Riese highlighted that the organization generates $52 million in annual sales for local farmers and food makers, with about half coming from its farmers markets in Marin. He added that the project is expected to generate an additional $6 million in annual sales and create 192 jobs in the food and agriculture sectors.

This initiative builds on a previous plan that was outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed in 2017. That plan envisioned a more ambitious project, including a 30,000-square-foot indoor market with various retail and culinary spaces. However, the agreement expired in 2020 when the institute failed to meet a funding target of $15 million by that date.

Under the new plan, the institute aims to complete the paving of the lot and add the amenities by May 1, 2027. However, no timeline has been set for the construction of the buildings in the second phase. Naja-Riese stated that the nonprofit has already raised $6.8 million but declined to share cost estimates for either phase, citing concerns about affecting the bidding process.

Importantly, the project does not involve public funding. The lease agreement requires a monthly rent of $16,875, increasing by 3% annually. Over the course of 40 years, this amounts to well over $8 million, even without considering the annual increases.

The planned visitors center will offer information and exhibits on the history of agriculture in the county and region. One of the two-story buildings will house a "food innovation hub," which will serve as a space for training programs, small business support, agricultural education, and culinary training for students.

“This new hub is designed to be a place to support income diversification for farmers and small food businesses, provide agricultural education for learners of all ages, as well as support food systems and climate education for both students and shoppers,” Naja-Riese explained.

Several residents involved in agriculture have voiced their support for the project. Monica Rocchino, a board member of the Agricultural Institute of Marin, shared her personal connection to the market. “I go to the farmer's market every week. It's where I meet friends, catch up with neighbors, and connect with my community. The market is more than a place to buy local food.”

Peggy Smith, co-founder of Cowgirl Creamery, also expressed her approval. “The new center, which we're working to build, will provide a place for both new and established ag people to come for guidance in navigating complicated procedures.”

As the project moves forward, it represents a significant investment in the future of Marin County’s agricultural community and the local food system.