The Landscape Architect’s Guide to

Farmers Market at Portland State University

Your Guide

The Farmers Market at Portland State University (PSU) all started with three local activists who wanted to bridge the gap between farmers and the people of Portland. Beginning in 1992 with just 13 vendors, the market now provides an outlet for 200 local food providers and generates roughly $6 million annually.

Not satisfied with just one location, a dedicated non-profit group works to fulfill the founder’s mission of bringing the farmer to the people, now managing eight locations throughout the city. Word to the wise: Get there early, as PSU is a very popular market.

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Highly Accessible

Parking can be tight on market day, but the PSU location is situated near multiple modes of transportation. The nearest is a street car stop only a block away. The market is not only easily accessible to shoppers, but also vendors, including ranchers, who can only be 50 miles away. The market purposefully keeps their carbon footprint small by drawing from vendors within a 50 mile radius.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom PSU2

On Campus

The market at Portland State University is, not surprisingly, near the PSU campus under the shady trees of the Park Blocks. Students get an up-close lesson each weekend on the importance of access to high quality local food and a robust local economy of small business owners selling their products.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom PSU3

Easy on the Eyes

All throughout the market, shoppers are tempted by fresh food that almost looks too good to eat. Vendors are proud of their product and find artful ways to catch the eye.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom PSU4

Delight Your Senses

Many people come to the PSU market and make a morning of it. Bakeries and other food vendors have a chance to show off their talents and delight your senses. Shoppers feel good knowing most of the money is going directly back to the local business.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom PSU5

EverGreen

The managing non-profit is understandably proud of their recycling programs. During the first year alone, their EverGreen program diverted over 14,000 pounds of waste into composting and recycling programs. The Durable Dining program offers metal flatware, along with collection services at the end of the day, to vendors selling ready-made food.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom PSU6

Berry Nice to Meet You

Shoppers can learn what is in season here in the Northwest by just strolling down the tables. The farthest a vendor travels is 100 miles to the market site.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom PSU7

Great People Watching

At peak season, 10,000–12,000 people will visit the market each day, making it a great place to people watch. Visitors represent a diverse cross-section of the city, all here to rub elbows and fill shopping baskets.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom PSU8

Sorry, Fido

Fans of the TV show “Portlandia” know that Portlanders love their pets. The market asks patrons to leave them at home due to crowds and the amount of exposed food.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom PSU9

Careful: These Tomatoes Bruise Easily

Market vendors look forward to greeting their customers, but they do appreciate a little consideration. For many, the market season is how they support their families. The market also provides a stage for food producers who want to expand out of the ordinary offering.

Image: Rebecca Wahlstrom