The long-anticipated 21 Acres retail market opens at noon May 3, featuring sustainable local, farm product. Located in the new green-built Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living at 13701 N.E. 171st St., Woodinville, the 21 Acres Market will be open year-round giving shoppers affordable options for fresh and value-added products and the opportunity to support local farmers.

Starting small with offerings reflecting the early spring season, products will become more abundant through the summer and into the high farming season in the Northwest. According to Cat Brimhall, retail manager, in addition to fresh product, the 21 Acres Market will also sell flour, eggs, cheeses, dried beans, hummus and other staples.

Brimhall has spent recent weeks talking to farmers, on the phone, by e-mail and in their fields and kitchens, to develop a sourcing plan that will provide products that the local community needs and that farmers can provide in reliable quantities.

“The fact that the 21 Acres Market will start small, will mean that we can provide special items grown by area farmers who are not producing large volumes and wholesaling regularly to other much bigger stores,” Brimhall said. “We are committed to paying farmers fair prices and being flexible in our needs,” she added, “so we can take advantage of working with producers who are growing the most beautiful and flavorful farm product available. This will likely mean that it will make sense for us to source things to offer customers that other grocers cannot. Each week will showcase some very special things.”

Opening-day events throughout the day, from noon to 7 p.m., include: tastings of recipes from the new Culinary Course Program; samplings of farm products; special treats for children; and, tours of the 21 Acres green-built building. Special remarks at 5 p.m. by celebrity chef and author, Graham Kerr.

For information, visit 21acres.org/Market.