
1 minute read
Fresh Is Best At Local Farmers’ Markets
by Lisa Tang
The region’s farmers’ markets are experiencing consistent growth and benefiting local communities. Some have grown to more than 30 vendors who attract hundreds of shoppers to Main Street districts. Research has long shown that farmers’ markets support the earnings of local farmers, preserve local ownership of rural farmlands, and improve local economies. They also benefit consumers in other significant ways.
Straight from the source: Shoppers get the opportunity to ask about the growing process, as well as caring, preparing, and cooking produce when they meet local farmers in person. Shoppers who have questions about use of pesticides or organic farming can get straight answers from the source. Artisan bakers can answer questions about the ingredients used in their products — which helps shoppers who need to avoid products with allergens.
Healthier produce: Meats, eggs, and produce sold locally are fresher because they are not shipped hundreds or thousands of miles. Local farmers can allow fruits and vegetables to ripen on the vine longer, which ensures freshness and improves nutritious value. Locally produced honey can prevent allergies.
Lower costs: Studies show that conventional and organic produce purchased at farmers’ markets costs less overall. One reason may be that buying produce and meat locally reduces costs of transporting them from other states or countries.
Socialization: Farmers’ markets are more than places to shop. Meeting and talking to local farmers and ranchers helps connect rural and urban residents. Many markets also provide live music, demonstrations, classes, and hands-on crafts.
Shopping and greeting others increases feelings of connection to the community. A study by the Project for Public Spaces found that shoppers experience 15 to 20 social interactions during each visit to a farmers market.
Access for Everyone: Farmers’ markets are family friendly and most are accessible to persons with disabilities. People of all ages can also discover a variety of woodworking and other crafts. Candles, trays, trivets, needle crafts, soaps, and homemade jams, jellies, and salsas are common items at today’s farmers markets that provide an opportunity for children to learn about handmade items first-hand.
Visit these regional farmers’ markets for fresh, seasonal produce and fun:
Greenville www.ci.Greenville.Tx.us/market
Longview www.HistoricLongviewFarmersMarket. com
Mineola www.Mineola.com Palestine www.PalestineFarmersMarket.com
Rockwall www.RockwallFarmersMarket.org
Sulphur Springs www.SulphurSpringsTx.org
Winnsboro www.WinnsboroFarmersMarket.com