Cultivating the Market: A Conversation with Jean Brownfield
(Updated: April 10, 2026, 2:10 p.m.)
As the Local Foods Educator and Farmer’s Market Manager for N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Martin County Center, Jean Brownfield acts as a vital link between North Carolina’s agricultural scene and community member’s tables. Combining a deep-seated passion for local food and a natural gift for community engagement, Jean has become an asset to strengthening Martin County’s local food system.
Although Martin County’s local food landscape is limited, Jean views the gaps as opportunities, rather than barriers. Her vision aims to help farmers expand the variety of offerings they bring to market, while also equipping consumers with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare fresh, seasonal meals.
Jean’s background as a former EFNEP (Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program) Educator provides her with a unique perspective and skill set for this role. Teaching classes in the community allows her to spotlight local foods, sharing nutritional information and preparation techniques, while simultaneously helping farmers market their items. She also creates special events at the farmer’s market to highlight the local growers and producers.
NC State Extension has a variety of resources that can help agents and LFCs promote seasonal items. A great place to start is the Extension Homegrown Seasonal Availability chart, which serves as a guide for learning more about what’s in season in NC. You can explore the Extension Recipe Library, to utilize the seasonal items in a variety of delicious recipes. To learn more about preparation, these EFNEP basic kitchen and knife skills videos and the Homegrown youtube channel provide excellent visual demonstrations. The NC 10% print materials are ideal for handouts during demonstrations and taste tests, or as professional resources.
In addition to highlighting seasonal items through classes, Jean has recently had success with growing the market offerings. After identifying items that local vendors didn’t currently produce at the Martin County Farmer’s Market, Jean collaborated with the farmers market board to curate NC-made local food items to fill the gaps, calling it “Market Provisions”.
“It was such a hit at our holiday events we are planning to make it a mainstay each week at our market,” Jean shared.
In partnership with Martin County Extension Director Lisa Smith, Jean helped launch the Donation Station initiative. This program embodies Jean’s dual purpose philosophy: it increases access to fresh, locally grown produce for lower income communities while ensuring farmers are fairly compensated for their work. This model leverages community support to strengthen the local economy while fighting food insecurity. In 2025, the Martin County Donation Station spent an estimated $490 with local farmers and donated 150lbs to hunger relief recipients in their community.
Jean’s success is built on the strength of her relationships. Her primary advice for other Local Food Coordinators across the state is simple but impactful: be present. “Get out there and meet the growers, makers, and producers in your community,” she shared. She believes that by truly understanding their goals and familiarizing yourself with their products, NC State Extension can provide support and marketing assistance that helps producers thrive.
Her outlook on the future of local foods in North Carolina is hopeful. For her, it’s more than just buying and selling - she envisions a movement that acts as a path to better health for everyone and true success for our local farmers. Through her work in Martin County, Jean isn’t just managing a market - she’s helping to grow a more resilient community.
