Two Competing Merrifield Farmers Markets Have a Beef

As the Mosaic District moves forward with plans to relaunch its weekly farmers market, the old market’s leadership is starting a competing market four miles away.

The Mosaic District announced in early March that the nonprofit FRESHFARM would be taking over the Mosaic Farmers Market.

Central Farm Markets, the organization that for the last six years had managed the farmers market at the Mosaic District, said on their website that the announcement was a shock to them.

“We were told, with just a few weeks notice and for no reason, that we had to leave the property,” the organization said on their website. “As you can imagine this has been a very difficult time for us and our vendors. In a matter of weeks we had to find a new location, enroll vendors and take care of all of the business matters associated with such an enormous move.”

Tysons Reporter reached out to the Mosaic District inquiring about the change but received no response.

The Mosaic Central Farm Market was able to find a space at George C. Marshall High School (7731 Leesburg Pike) and rebranded as NOVA Central Farm Market.

Debra Moser, co-owner of Central Farm Market, said many of the vendors from the earlier Mosaic venue will carry over to the new location, and the arrangement with local non-profits to pick up left over food and deliver it to those in need will continue.

Both markets are planning a grand opening this Sunday (April 7).

Moser said Central Farm Market was never given a reason for why they were replaced.

“Moving a market, getting it reestablished in a short period of time was a great undertaking,” Moser said. “But we’re looking forward to the opening on Sunday.”

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