Farmers Market History

Haldimand has a rich and long history of bringing the freshest produce, meats, and more to hungry consumers.

Since the arrival of the first settlers to the area, Haldimand County has developed primarily as an agricultural industry. The stiff clay soil has promoted the growth of wheat, barley, oats, and peas. Closer to the Grand River where the soil is lighter, crops such as corn, potatoes, and buckwheat have long been grown successfully. According to the 1851 Census, 1,977 farmers were located in Haldimand County. That year alone, Haldimand County produced 3,159 gallons of apple cider, 308,304 pounds of cheese, 11,447 pounds of butter, and large quantities of pork and beef.

Dunnville Market

The Dunnville Farmers Market started in 1894. Held twice a week, farmers travelled there by horse and wagon to sell their wares. In September 1896 butter sold for 10 cents per pound; potatoes were 30 cents a bushel; onions 50 cents per bushel and apples were 20 cents per bushel. You could pick up a chicken for 25 cents or a calf for $3.00.

old black and white photo of the farmers market in Dunnville

Hagersville Market

In 1892 a half a dozen local farmers, tired of trading their farm produce with the merchants for money owed tied their horses to hitching posts along the street and sold their produce for cash. This was the birth of the Hagersville Market.

Old black and white photo of the farmers market

Caledonia Market

Edinburgh Square, also known as “Market Square” was the site of the first farmers market. In 1858 the Town Hall was completed. During the first year, stalls were fitted for a butcher’s market in the basement.