Market updates: Louisiana farmers hurt by March rains; what’s fresh in April

The heavy rains mid-March caused loss of crops and equipment for some farmers in the Ponchatoula area. This weekend, the Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance, also known as BREADA, which organizes the Red Stick Farmers Market, will continue to raise funds for the Louisiana Small Farm Survival Fund. BREADA established the fund as part of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation in 2005 to assist small farmers following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

In addition to regular market vendors, BREADA will sell jambalaya lunches featuring Cutrer’s sausage at Main Street Market this Saturday 8 a.m.-noon for $10. Funds raised will benefit the Louisiana Small Farm Survival Fund, which provides direct assistance to local farmers following natural disasters.

Market patrons will also have the chance to win culinary gift baskets featuring products from Main Street Market and local chef Jay Ducote, as well as a farm-fresh basket and a seafood giveaway. The baskets will be drawn in the form of a raffle for people who make a donation at the market information stand on Saturday. Donate to the fund online here.

While the rain did bring damage to some Louisiana crops, plenty of spring produce will be available at the markets this month.

April will bring fennel, radishes, sugar snap peas, fava beans, asparagus, leeks and edible flowers to the markets. Tender greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens are still in full swing, as well as broccoli, cucumbers, beets, strawberries and root veggies such as carrots and turnips. Around the end of the month, yellow squash and zucchini will start making an appearance. This week’s 10 a.m. “Fresh from the Market” cooking demo will be hosted by L’Auberge Casino & Hotel chef Jared Tees.

Because of the abundance of produce in the spring months, BREADA organizes more weekly markets around town.

Check out the current market schedule below:

Tuesdays: 8 a.m.-noon at the East Baton Rouge Parish main library (7111 Goodwood Blvd.)

Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-noon at LSU Health Baton Rouge (5437 Airline Highway)

Thursdays: 9 a.m.-noon at ExxonMobil YMCA (7717 Howell Blvd.) and 8 a.m.-noon at Pennington Biomedical Research Center (6400 Perkins Road)

Saturdays: 8 a.m.-noon at Main Street Market (corner of 5th and Main streets)