Farmers markets offer more than just food to consumers

Along the same lines as last week’s post about CSAs, I wanted to bring farmers markets into view with our efforts to increase agriculture awareness and accessibility.

Farmers markets have experienced a new wave of interest as many consumers are looking for ways to eat fresh, local produce.

Like Community Supported Agriculture programs, farmers markets provide a great avenue for consumers to develop a relationship with the farmers who grow their food; it also serves as a way to connect urban areas to rural. Although city-life can be very appealing, it often provides very little green space for homeowners to use for growing flowers and produce. Farmers markets are a great solution for those who desire fresh goods without the responsibility or space required to grow them.

Farmers markets can vary widely from small-town produce stands to popular hang-outs such as the Nashville Farmers’ Market. Regardless of size, farmers markets are meeting two important demands from consumers—fresh and local produce.

A great source for finding farmers markets all across the state of Tennessee is through the Pick Tennessee Products program. This program is part of the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and is “dedicated to connecting people everywhere to Tennessee farms, farmers, farmers markets and all the great things that come from our farms and food businesses.”

Growing up, I can remember visiting farmers markets and being so intrigued by all that surrounded me. Not only are they a great place to find high-quality goods, they can also provide memorable experiences.

If you haven’t been to a famers market before, I encourage you to check one out! If you have been to one, how would you describe your first visit?

One program offers a win-win for both farmers and consumers

Over the past few years, “clean eating” and purchasing fresh, local produce have become a popular way to approach mealtime. One nationwide program has become a leader in combining agriculture awareness with fresh, local produce.

This program seeks to bring fresh produce from farm to table in only a matter of hours. Known as CSA, short for Community Supported Agriculture, this movement involves a partnership between a consumer and a local farmer to financially support the farming operation and receive fresh produce in exchange.

CSAs were introduced to the United States from Europe in the mid 1980s. This movement has gained momentum over the last several years, especially in urban areas.

Participating in a CSA is not only beneficial to the consumer but also to the grower. Local Harvest lists advantages experienced by both:

Advantages for farmers:
• Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
• Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow
• Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow

Advantages for consumers:
• Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits
• Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
• Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season
• Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown

Customers typically purchase a “share” of the farm to help with costs during the growing season. In return, customers receive a portion of produce repeatedly during the harvest time.

CSAs are a great way to form a relationship with local farmers and learn about seasonal produce. Joining this program not only supports the agriculture industry but also increases agriculture awareness within the community.

CSAs are present all across the country and can be located online.
Would you consider supporting a local agriculture operation by signing up for a CSA?