Farmer Spotlight: Meet Farmer Dave's
- Market Manager
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
As we count down to Opening Day on Saturday, June 13th, excitement is building here at the Wakefield Farmers Market.
Over the past few weeks, we've been doing our best to shine a spotlight on many of the incredible vendors joining us for the 2026 season. With more than 75 vendors in this year's lineup, it's impossible to feature everyone before opening day, but don't worry, we'll continue highlighting vendors throughout the season.
One group we haven't talked about enough? Our farmers.
From Moonlight Farm and Kelly's Farm to our new mushroom grower, Joyberry Farm, our farmers are truly the backbone of the market. They are the reason fresh, local food makes its way from the field to your table each week. Today, we're excited to spotlight one of our longest-running vendors: Farmer Dave's.
A Market Favorite Since 2009
Farmer Dave's has been part of the Wakefield Farmers Market since the very beginning in 2009.
Founded in 1997 by Dave Dumaresq after returning from service in the Peace Corps, Farmer Dave's has grown from just 15 leased acres in Dracut to nearly 95 acres spanning Dracut and Tewksbury. Over the years, the farm has become a leader in local agriculture, growing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and culturally significant crops for communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts.
For the team at Farmer Dave's, being part of the Wakefield Farmers Market is about more than selling produce.
"We truly value the relationships built over the years. Seeing familiar faces each season is what makes this market feel like home."
More Than Just Fruits and Vegetables
If you've visited the market before, you've probably spotted Farmer Dave's impressive multi-tent setup filled with colorful produce and local farm favorites.
Depending on the season, you'll find:
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Farm-made canned goods
Vegetable starts and plants
Scratch-made baked goods
Prepared foods from their farm kitchen
Seasonal specialties
Their farm kitchen began as a way to utilize extra produce and reduce food waste, transforming perfectly good fruits and vegetables into delicious baked goods and prepared foods. Today, it's become an important part of the farm, bringing customer favorites like their famous scones and seasonal treats to markets throughout the region.
Connecting People to Their Food
Farmer Dave's extends far beyond the farmers market. The farm operates a year-round farmstand in Dracut, a seasonal stand in Tewksbury, multiple CSA pickup locations, and popular pick-your-own experiences featuring strawberries, blueberries, and apples.
Family-friendly events, including visits with the Easter Bunny and Santa, help create lasting memories while giving visitors a chance to connect with the land and the people growing their food.
Committed to Community and Sustainability
Community has always been at the heart of Farmer Dave's mission.
The farm partners with local food banks and hunger relief organizations to help provide fresh produce to families throughout the region. SNAP and HIP programs also play an important role in expanding access to fresh, healthy food for more households.
At the same time, Farmer Dave's continues to invest in sustainable farming practices, including solar power, geothermal heating, and electric refrigerated vehicles that help reduce the farm's environmental footprint.
Visit Farmer Dave's This Season
When the Wakefield Farmers Market opens on June 13th, make sure to stop by Farmer Dave's and say hello. Whether you're picking up fresh vegetables for dinner, grabbing a seasonal treat from the farm kitchen, or looking for local plants to start your garden, you'll find plenty to explore under their tents. Most importantly, you'll be supporting one of the local farms that helps make our market—and our community—stronger.
We'll see you at the lake on Saturday, June 13th at Hall Park. The market runs from 9 am to 1 pm. We can't wait!
