Farmers Markets - Popularity Continues to Rise

Freshness, good nutrition, value and safety. They are all reasons why farmers markets continue to skyrocket in popularity with American consumers. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the number of farmers markets around the country has increased 79 percent since 1994.

Consumers still purchase a majority of fruits and vegetables from grocery stores, but many have discovered the advantages of buying food directly from the farmer who grew it. In addition, shoppers can now find a variety of organically grown foods in many community markets.

Although the top season to shop for home grown fruits and vegetables is during the spring and summer, consumers can still find fresh North Carolina products at state and privately-owned farmers markets.

Western North Carolina apples, both for eating and for baking, are widely available at markets through February each year. As the nations' top producer of sweet potatoes, this nutritious tuber can be found year-round. Collard and other greens are also available "market fresh" until the end of December. And, as the sixth top cabbage-producing state in the U.S., state markets will have homegrown heads until the end of December.

North Carolina grown pecans will be ready for holiday baking and are another food item that can be found at state farmers markets through the holidays. Also, need we mention that the Old North state is the only place you need to look when selecting a Christmas tree? The nation's most highly praised tree, the Fraser Fir, will be widely available again this year.

It is a real compliment to farm men and women to see the growing interest among consumers to buy farm fresh products. Surveys show that people have high confidence in America's farmers to produce wholesome food that is not only safe and nutritious, but also a good value for every dollar spent.

To find a state farmers market in your region, enter the Web site www.ncdamarkets.org and start enjoying the bounty that is grown in North Carolina.