The Troy Farmers Market is a hub for local growers, makers, & neighbors to come together. Our mission is to provide a platform for producers to sell directly to consumers, strengthen the local economy, & cultivate a sense of community rooted in food access & rural pride.

A Little History

In 2012, a small group of inspired community members, who were also involved with the Yaak Valley Forest Council (YVFC), asked a simple question:

How can we support our community by encouraging more local growers & becoming more self-sufficient?

The YVFC, known for its work in conservation & rural community support, saw an opportunity. With help from local gardeners, the City of Troy, Troy Public Schools & residents eager to create a community hub & source for healthy local food, the Troy Farmers Market was born. 

A USDA grant helped the market grow and a dedicated core group of volunteers worked hard to form a 501(c)3 & board of directors.

It was a natural fit. Troy, Montana, at the lowest elevation in the state & blessed with an extended growing season, has a history as a grower’s community. The market was a way to revive that piece of cultural history & carry it forward.

Growth & Local Leadership

From the beginning, the market has been driven by the people who care about it. We now operate with our own board of directors, who contribute time & energy to everything from:

• Grant writing & fundraising

• Outreach & sponsorship development

• Shaping market culture & organizing special events

• Supporting the market manager throughout the busy season

We aim for a hands-on, enthusiastic board that shares our vision of a thriving local growers network, ideally contributing 5 - 10 hours per month.

Our market manager is the face of the market. Our long-term vision is to provide a year-round, living-wage position to ensure the manager can thrive while stewarding this essential community role.

Culture, Collaboration & Vision

We believe in a culture of collaboration between vendors, shoppers, volunteers & the broader Troy community. We work with the Troy Chamber of Commerce, local businesses & other civic groups to keep the market connected & relevant.

One of our most beloved annual events is the Apple Festival. It’s a joyful celebration of Troy’s many feral apple trees & the season’s bounty. Locals gather apples & we press cider together as a community. It's a sticky-fingered nod to our commitment to food access, shared abundance & even bear-safe communities (less fruit on the ground = fewer bear encounters!).

Looking ahead, we’re exploring ideas like food cooperatives, shared processing spaces & helping local growers access grant funding & education that supports their farm goals. We see the market not just as a weekly event, but as a launchpad for a resilient, community-based food system.