Have you ever visited a farmers’ market? If not, what are you waiting for? You are truly missing out on an awesome experience! There is nothing like picking up a potato that is covered with fresh dirt or selecting a tomato that was picked just hours ago.
Farmers’ Markets are set up all over the country and they provide fresh, local produce, meats and specialty products to the community. Farmers Markets provide many benefits to the producer, the consumer, the environment and the local community/economy. Check out what these markets have to offer to so many.
Benefits to the Producer:
· Cuts out the need for a middle man and increase the financial return
· Cuts cost by reducing transportation and packaging needs
· Provides direct feedback from the consumer to the producer about the quality of their products
· Provides a secure market for small farmers/producers who may not have the capacity to provide to large supermarkets
Benefits to the Consumer:
· Gives you the ability to talk directly with the producer about the product and how it was grown/produced
· Promotes a healthier diet by providing easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables
· Provides fresher fruits and vegetables because they are picked at peak ripeness and carried straight to the farmers market
· Provides a variety of information on how to prepare fresh produce in a healthier way
· Offers a source for produce and meats at a lower price than supermarkets—this is because you are cutting out the middle man and packaging costs
Benefits to the Environment:
· Reduces food miles—which in turn reduces pollution and fossil fuel use
· Reduces packaging and use of plastics and paper
· Encourages more environmentally friendly production techniques such as organic, pesticide free and hormone free
The Community and Local Economy Benefits:
· Encourages interaction between rural and urban communities
· Assist in the aesthetic feel and look of a community or town
· Encourages buying and selling locally, therefore keeping the money within the community and providing more jobs within the community
There seems to be many huge benefits to supporting farmers markets and purchasing fresh, local products from your own community. So, really now, what are you waiting for? Check one of your local farmers markets out today!
ECU Farmer’s Market:
September 13, 2011, 2:00 – 5:30 pm
Location: Bottom of College Hill Dr.
Address: 4560 County Home Road , Greenville , NC
Dates and Times: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 8am – 1pm & Fridays 8am – 3pm
Open March through December
Office Phone: 252-355-7612
Umbrella Market:
Location: Five Points Plaza , Downtown Greenville
Dates and Times: Every Wednesday through September from 5-8pm
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