Winter Farmers’ Market to return to Farmers Hall following successful environmental remediation

The Vermont Farmers’ Market announced Aug. 22 that it will be returning to Farmers’ Hall at the Vermont Farmers’ Food Center (VFFC) at 251 West St. in Rutland, beginning Nov. 2. The Winter Farmers’ Market will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April, providing a vibrant space for local vendors and the community.

Additionally, its holiday craft shows will also be held at the VFFC, on the second Sundays of November and December.

This move follows a thorough environmental remediation process to address indoor air contamination concerns in Farmers’ Hall. The Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed that corrective actions, including the installation of a vapor barrier, sealing cracks, and grouting the interior of the concrete masonry unit walls, have significantly reduced the concentrations of trichloroethylene (TCE) in the building. Recent indoor air sampling conducted in June 2024 showed TCE levels ranging from 0.48 to 0.94 µg/m3, well below the removal management level for short-term exposure.

Work is ongoing to install a sub-slab depressurization system (SSDS) in the northern portion of the building to further reduce TCE levels. The indoor air will be retested after the SSDS installation, and quarterly indoor air sampling will be conducted over the next year to ensure the effectiveness of the remediation.

“We are excited to be back in Farmers’ Hall for the Winter Farmers’ Market,” said Paul Horton, president of the Vermont Farmers’ Market. “The successful remediation efforts have made it possible for us to continue providing this vital space for our vendors and patrons.”

The Rutland Summer Market is currently running in Depot Park every Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through the end of October.

For more information, visit:
VTFarmers’Market.org.