Farmers Market To Open In Davie's Old Batten Farm Site

DAVIE (CBS4) -- A former landmark in Davie, Batten's Farm, is about to be revitalized. Batten's farm, which shut down in 2008, was known for its fresh strawberry fields, milkshakes and U-Pick tomatoes, but a new farmers market will soon open on the old 10-acre site.

According to the Sun Sentinel, the farmers market will open on May 27th with a "soft opening" planned for May 16th.

The farmers market is being opened by the North-South Institute, a nonprofit organization that assists small farmers. The Davie-based organization is leasing the land for $12,000 a year and will maintain the building, grounds and landscaping as part of the deal.

In addition to the farmers market, there are plans for a U-Pick area for berries and tomatoes, an Asian tea garden, a petting zoo with rabbits, sheep and goats, an agricultural museum, and a community garden with pots for basil, rosemary and oregano. Health fairs and educational workshops will be held monthly.

The market will also sell strawberry shakes and pastries just like Batten's according to Dr. Samuel Scott, director of the North-South Institute.

The Davie Town Council has agreed to name the site Batten's Farmers Market & Davie Agri-Tourism Center if the Batten family agrees .