Boston's First Permanent Public Market to Start Construction

New England is a farming powerhouse with a $2.4 billion agricultural economy, but according to local-food advocate Andy Kendall, "only 5 percent to 10 percent of the food consumed in New England is actually grown or produced in the region." A decade-long effort to help remedy the situation by providing "a showcase for New England foods" took a giant leap forward this week with the announcement that construction would soon begin on Boston Public Market, a 28,000-square-foot facility located atop the MBTA's Haymarket Station.

"Once completed, the indoor market will host about 40 vendors selling a wide array of local products, including fish, cheese, meats, produce, flowers, and specialty items," writes Casey Ross. "It is designed to function like a daily farmer’s market. But vendors will also offer prepared foods and dry goods such as books, candles, and cooking utensils."

"'This market will allow us to show off the best of what our small farms and agricultural producers have to offer,' said Governor Deval Patrick, whose administration has committed $4 million to help with the facility’s construction. 'There are a lot of wonderful things grown and made in Massachusetts that people ought to know about.'"