Number Of Farmers Markets In U.S. Surges
FRESNO, Calif. -- As demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables has increased, so too has the number of urban farmers markets sprouting up across the nation.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday that the number of direct-sales markets has increased 9.6 percent in the past year, with California and New York leading the way.
"Farmers markets are a critical ingredient to our nation's food system," USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan said. "These outlets provide benefits not only to the farmers looking for important income opportunities, but also to the communities looking for fresh, healthy foods."
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Anyone interested in the sustainability movement might like this short article.
REAL Farmers Markets (not the resellers but the actual farmers selling directly to the public) have been such a boon to buyers who get a much greater variety of fresh produce as well as to farmers who get a far greater profit selling direct to the public.
I canned peaches last Saturday that I bought from a local farmer. Picked and canned in the same day. Today I made a peach pie out of those same peaches. Probably the best peach pie I ever had (even if I do say so myself). The point being that there is no comparison between the cardboard stuff you buy at the grocery store and something that has come to market literally hours after it's been picked.
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pick-your-own farm with black-eyed peas. The fresh ones are so superior to the canned, frozen or dried beans in the store. I tried growing them one year but found out the hard way that you have to have 10 acres or so to gather up enough to actually serve. OK, that may be a slight exaggeration but you get the picture.
And good for you for including your grandchild in your farm excursion. It's something she/he will always remember.
