Farms & Vendors
All farmers at the Duke Farmers Market are locally owned and operated, and all are family owned. Many of them have ties to Duke. A few select vendors complement our farmers' fare.
- Brock's Produce
- Duke Campus Farm
- Fernrock Farm
- Fran's Baked Goods
- Harrington Farms
- Lyon Farms
- Muddy Dog Roasting Company
- Olifant+Castelo Herbs & Spices
- R & V Farm
- Sarah Harrell Produce
- Sunshine Lavender Farm
- Walker's Farm
Brock's Produce
Working at this Market: Farmer Mike Brock and his wife Wendy; during the summer months, they have help from their children, Hannah, Hunter, and Hope.
Mike Brock was one of the early farmers with the Duke Farmers Market. Many Duke employees remember that Mike parked that the long white trailer - full of a great variety of colorful fruits and veggies - in the parking lot where the Market began. Now, with the Market's smaller space, Mike brings his farm truck and sets up tents and tables to sell crops grown on his farm.
In business for: 18 years
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2002
Unique because: Mike recently planted more crops than usual and is excited to bring more of his own produce to our Market. "We take pride in our product. We are a true family farm with three generations working together."
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: Visiting with customers
Other locations: Farm stand off I-40 near Warsaw on the way to the beach
Duke Campus Farm
Working at this Market: Emily Sloss, Farm Manager; also Emily McGinty, Katie Jones, and Damon Cory-Watson.
Duke Campus Farm sells seasonal non-certified organic fruits and vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The Farm is operated by Duke students. All food grown on the farm directly serves the Duke community. Community members are welcome to go to the farm to help during weekly workdays.
In business for: 1 year
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2012
Joined Duke Mobile Farmers Market: 2012 with Mini-CSA in May and in August
Unique because: All crops grown at the Duke Campus Farm are purchased by Duke Dining for meals in the Great Hall. During the summer, there is not as much demand for the local crops; so the Farm manager sells produce directly to Duke Employees and students at the Duke Farmers Market.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: Telling employees the story about the Duke Campus Farm, which is nearby on Duke Forest land.
Other locations: Produce is available at Great Hall during the school year
Fernrock Farm
Working at this Market: owners Carrie McCann and Bill Brown
Fernrock Farm sells cut flowers to include a wide variety of annuals and perennials such as larkspur, dianthus, roses, zinnias, sunflowers and dahlias. Flowers are available by the stem, bunch, and in mixed bouquets. New this season: pots of cucumber, tomatoes, peppers, and herbs for cooking to grow in tight spaces such as pots and containers for deck or patio. They sell living wreaths and green roof birdhouses. Fernrock Farm also grows heirloom tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers. Fernrock Farm also participates in the Mobile Farmers Market.
In business for: 3 years
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2008
Unique because: Fernrock Farm in Orange County uses sustainable agricultural practices, crop rotations, composting, and waters crops from the farm pond. "We grow a wide variety of specialty flowers - perennials, annuals, and herbs. We offer flowers in creative combinations." Owners Carrie McCann and Bill Brown are Duke alumni and avid basketball fans.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: Visiting with customers
Other locations: Carrboro and Hillsborough Farmers Markets, For Garden's Sake in Cary, and a farm stand at the farm on weekends.
Fran's Baked Goods
Working at this Market: Frances Emory and her husband Ralph
Frances Emory bakes with whole grains and uses fresh, local seasonal fruits and vegetables. She sells a range of products, often in individual serving sizes. Products include: whole grain bread, rolls, muffins, veggies & fruit with dip, brownies, healthy dessert options, granola and pepper jelly. She sells parfait cups using low-fat yogurt with fresh fruits and homemade granola.
In business for: 2 years
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2011
Unique because: Frances Emory loves to bake. "Love of baking goes into all my products!" She uses organic eggs and adds local fruits and veggies when produce is available.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: Service to the employees. Baking for employees who work at Duke Hospital makes me more aware of healthy choices.
Other locations: North Raleigh Farmers Market on Durant Road
Kitchen location: Frances bakes in her kitchen at home in Creedmoor. Her kitchen has current inspections by NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
Harrington Farms
Working at this Market: Family friend, Tommy Womack
Harrington Farms is family owned and operated by Mike Harrington and his three sons. This year we are growing strawberries, asparagus, sweet onions, greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers, garden peas, peppers, corn and sweet potatoes.
In business for: Over 20 years
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2003
Unique because: Our baskets of strawberries are stacked high in our tall produce truck. We like the people who visit on Fridays.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: It's a good way to take our produce out to people where they work. Tommy Womack operates our stand at the Friday markets.
Other locations and Farmers Markets: Farm stand at the farm in Sanford from April through July; Farmers Markets in Fearrington, Pittsboro, Sanford-Lee County and at Moore Regional Health Center.
Farm Location: Sanford, NC
Lyon Farms
Working at this Market: Shannon Cole and David Kapp
Lyon Farms has been in business for more than 100 years, providing a wide assortment of quality fruits and vegetables as well as seasonal items (jams, pickled items, strawberry lemonade, cider, corn on the cob). Lyon Farms also participates in the Mobile Farmers Market.
In business for: More than 100 years
Joined Duke Farmers Market: a Founding Farmer
Unique because: Mark Lyon is a fifth generation farmer.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: Making lasting connections with customers at Duke.
Other locations: Farmers Markets in Durham and Carrboro. Farm stand and seasonal Pick-Your-Own Berries at the farm.
Farm location: Creedmoor, NC — only 15 miles from Duke. Exit 186 off I-85, then Hwy 15 N 2 miles.
Muddy Dog Roasting Company
Working at this Market: Owners Debbie and Jim Pellegrini; during summer vacation, daughters Emily and Courtney work with them
Muddy Dog Roasting Company is a small-batch, artisan coffee roaster located in Morrisville. "We work hard to source the best green coffee available, direct from growers and certified whenever possible. We have an intense focus on quality, freshness and customer service. We are in the process of getting our Organic Certification." Products also include loose leaf tea, brewed coffee, iced coffee, and iced tea.
Unique because: Owners Jim Pellegrini, a Duke alum, Fuqua Class of 2001, and wife Debbie bring to the market a wide product selection and samples to taste. They roast their own coffee. Call the day before to place orders and your selection will be ready at their booth. 919-371-2818
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2008
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: Meeting people, eating local, fresh food
Other locations: Western Wake Farmers Market and North Raleigh Farmers Market
Business location: Morrisville, about 15 miles away
Olifant+Castelo
Working at this Market: Owner, Lynne Berla from Durham
This small batch artisanal spice purveyor is headquartered in Durham. They source locally grown herbs and spices directly from growers whenever possible. They package the spices in non-plastic containers and reusable materials.
In business for: 2 years
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2012
Unique because: They package herbs and spices in small tins for $2 each or packages of 8 tins for $15 each spice kit. Select: Italian, Thai, Indian, French kits or grill rubs.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: Joining this Market and supporting the International Flavors theme.
Other locations: Western Wake Farmer's Market in Cary
Business location: Durham
R & V Farm
Working at this Market: Owner Robert Jones; during summer months, daughter, Robinetta, assists her dad
Robert Jones of R & V Farm sells tomatoes, potatoes, greens, melons, cucumbers, cabbage, strawberries, grapes and heirloom vegetables.
In business for: 3 years; Snow Hill is a family farm
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2008
Unique because: R & V Farm grows a variety of heirloom vegetables using pesticide free practices.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: "We enjoy the diversity of the customers and talking with employees about preparing and cooking the fresh produce."
Farm location: Snow Hill, NC, about 90 miles
Sarah Harrell Produce
Working at this Market: Owner Sarah Harrell and her daughter Kim Harrell
Sarah Harrell and family own and operate a farm near the Max Lee Farm.
Unique because: For several years, Sarah sold her farm vegetables at the Max Lee tables at our market. Now, Sarah and her daughter, Kim, set up their own stand at our market.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: "We enjoy assisting employees who had visited the tables on the old walkway near the Medical Center Bookstore."
Other locations: Raleigh Farmers Market
Farm location: Four Oaks, NC
Sunshine Lavender Farm
Working at this Market: This year, Annie asked her good friends, Sandra Sarlinga and Fabian Lujan, to manage her farm and the tent at our Market. They will be at our Market in April, May, and again in August and September.
All of Sunshine Lavender Farm's products are created with lavender grown using organic practices, no chemicals. Annie Baggett sells lavender plants in small pots and dried arrangements as well as gift items. Stop at Annie's table for farm fresh lavender for body, gifts, home and weddings. The farm includes a small vegetable garden, chickens, horses and extensive flower gardens.
In business for: more than 10 years
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2003
Unique because: Sunshine Lavender Farm is the first lavender farm in North Carolina. Lavender is the most popular fragrance worldwide and reduces stress naturally. "All items are created by me on the farm in small batches. They are unique and one-of-a-kind. Customers make requests and we follow through with premium customer service.
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: The people!
Other locations: Over 17 other locations.
Farm location: Hurdle Mills, NC - about 25 miles to Duke
Walker's Farm
Working at this Market: Farmer David Walker 's sister, Beverly Berry, and family friend, Gary Riley, operate the tent at our Market. Sometimes son, Adam Walker, works there too.
The Walker Farm offers the Duke Community an opportunity to buy fruits, vegetables, plants, and other items form a local, former tobacco farm. The venture from tobacco to garden farming is new and challenging. The Duke Farmers Market will assist in supporting our family farm.
In business for: 35 years
Joined Duke Farmers Market: 2010 - this is our first year!
Unique because: "We start our plants in a green house on the farm. We plant and harvest with the same practices our fathers and grandfathers taught years ago." Customers can purchase directly from the field, at the farm, or at a market. "We can arrange group or family hay-rides and employee discounts at the farm".
What we enjoy about the Duke Farmers Market: Owner David Walker has cousins, a brother, and friends who work at Duke.
Other locations: Walker's Farm sets up a tent on the patio outside the Employee Entrance at Durham Regional Hospital on Tuesdays, May 8 through September from 2:30 until 7 pm.
Farm location: Hillsborough, NC – about 14 miles to Duke