Photo courtesy of Liv Morris.
This National Farmers Market Week (August 3–9, 2025), we’re spotlighting one of Simply Living’s inspiring nonprofit members: Common Greens. This community-rooted organization operates five vibrant farmer’s markets across Central Ohio—in Bexley, Clintonville, Pearl Market, Upper Arlington, and OhioHealth—and is building a stronger, more equitable local food system, one market at a time.
Highlights:
- Discover how Common Greens farmers markets are building a more equitable local food system across Central Ohio.
- Meet Executive Director Abbe Turner, a farmer, entrepreneur, and advocate for ethical land stewardship and food access.
- Learn how farmers markets are tackling challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and convenience culture while creating vibrant, inclusive community spaces.
Meet Abbe Turner: The Heart Behind Common Greens
At the helm of Common Greens is Executive Director Abbe Turner, who stepped into the role in November 2024. Abbe follows in the footsteps of strong women leaders of Common Greens building upon their legacies. A long-time advocate for sustainable agriculture, Abbe brings deep experience from her work with OEFFA and her hands-on background as the founder of Lucky Penny Farm.
Growing up in a scientific household, she developed an early love for biology and soil science. That passion has blossomed into a career rooted in food justice and community resilience.
“For me, work is joy,” Abbe says. “Helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams and serving more farmers through these markets has been incredibly gratifying.”
About Abbe Turner
Abbe Turner is an entrepreneur, farmer, and fundraiser dedicated to the craft of artisan food production and ethical land stewardship.
As a leader among Ohio women in agriculture, Abbe has used her skills in business strategy and grant writing to generate social good for small businesses and nonprofit organizations. A professional fundraiser by trade, she has raised funds for a diverse array of institutions—including public broadcasting, arts organizations, academia, agriculture, and national parks.
Today, she proudly serves as Executive Director of Common Greens, where she helps manage five Columbus-area farmers markets and expand access to fresh, local food across Central Ohio. Abbe holds degrees in Viticulture and Enology from Kent State University and a Master’s Degree in Arts Policy and Administration from The Ohio State University.
Her current personal project? Golden Cloud Brand Mushroom Teas, grown on her farm in Knox County, where she cultivates Shiitake mushrooms and medicinal herbs with her daughter, Lily. She also collects vintage teapots, dogs, and impossible-to-identify kitchen utensils.
Growing Opportunities for Farmers and Communities
Under Abbe’s leadership, Common Greens has grown to include over 30 new vendors this year alone, many of whom are first-generation producers. Their farmers markets bring fresh, locally grown food directly into neighborhoods, while creating new opportunities for small farms and food businesses.
“One of the most rewarding moments,” Abbe shares, “is watching a vendor sell something they grew themselves for the very first time. That’s a beautiful thing.”
More Than a Market: A Welcoming, Educational Space
Common Greens markets are more than places to shop—they’re community hubs. Each market offers free educational activities like hands-on workshops, cooking demos, needle felting, and food tastings, making healthy, local eating accessible and fun for all ages.
With live music, local art, and intentional design, these spaces become third places where families gather, neighbors connect, and local culture thrives.
Equity and inclusion are central to Common Greens’ mission. The markets are intentionally multigenerational, multicultural spaces that elevate diverse voices and experiences.
Meeting Today’s Challenges Head-On
Farmers markets aren’t without obstacles. Convenience is a big one. “Everyone wants convenience,” Abbe explains. “That’s why we offer markets on different days and times—to meet people where they are.”
Other major issues—like climate change and food insecurity—also shape their work. Sustainability efforts, such as Bexley’s plastic bag ban and zero-waste initiatives, reflect Common Greens’ commitment to being part of the solution.
What’s in Season? Ask Abbe!
This season, Abbe is loving mushrooms, apples, and tomatoes—and even forages for wild mushrooms when she can. Her Golden Cloud Brand mushroom teas reflect her deep connection to the land and her entrepreneurial spirit. When she’s not at a market, Abbe’s likely in the garden, kitchen, woods, or barn, living the values she promotes every day.
Celebrate with Us
This National Farmers Market Week, come experience a Common Greens market for yourself. Support local farmers, taste the season’s freshest foods, connect with your community, and join a movement that nourishes both people and the planet.
📍 Find a market near you in Simply Living’s Local Events Calendar.
🌐 Learn more at commongreensohio.org and follow them on social media for vendor spotlights and market updates.
