6 Markets | 6 Days a Week

A brief location history of The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers' Market begins on March 24th in 1979 at the Old Mission. The Farmer, Robert Dautch, recalls these days at the market as being quiet, “One or two customers, one or two farmers.” UCSB agricultural enthusiasts would harvest fresh veggies and fruit, load up their bicycle carts and ride to market, selling right off of their bikes.

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By April 2nd the market shifted to the Santa Barbara County Bowl where the SBCFMA had it's first run in with the County Health Department. By May, the farmers had a health permit and a second market was approved for the Santa Barbara Bowl location. In August markets moved to the Santa Barbara High School. It was at the high school location that long time members, Don Vincent of Vincent Farms and Miguel Ingiuez, of Ebby’s Organics, joined our ranks.  At this time the markets began alternating locations: first Saturdays would be at Santa Barbara High School and third Saturdays at Goleta High School.  It wasn’t until 1982 the market found its’ long-standing and current location on the corner of Santa Barbara St and Cota St. in downtown Santa Barbara. It's now Forty-nine years later and the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers' Market has six local locations and 130 plus members.