Fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meats fresh from nearby fields, can offer the finest flavor and quality, while providing the opportunity to get to know the farmers. When we are able to talk to the producers of the food we eat we are able to ask questions to see how it has been raised. Some examples are: Have you sprayed this produce with pesticides? How recently? Is your beef antibiotic-free? Are the animals grass fed, or grain fed?

Buying your food locally is also an efficient way to support your state and county economy. To help locate sources of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and meats we have compiled this booklet, To Market, To Market: A Guide to Locally Grown Food in the St. Louis Bi-State Area, based on information provided by producers. The guide is organized by state and county; a farm will be listed in the county it is located but the listing will indicate if that farm drives to a farmers market that is in closer to the St. Louis Area. A map of counties included is on page 4. The following codes describe the various types of farm operations:

• Farmers’ Markets (F) enable farmers to bring produce and other products to sell at a common location. Variety is often diverse, so individual items are not listed. At many farmers’ markets, demand is high, so plan to arrive early.

• Greenhouses (G) sell crops that need protection from winter cold, such as bedding plants, vegetable transplants, house plants and cut flowers. Most greenhouses have plants and/or produce available for sale year round.

• Organic (O) growers may or may not be affiliated with any organic growers association. Many growers will use organic practices but choose not to become certified. These folks may not then be able to legally call themselves organic. For this reason it is important to talk with the grower about his/her cultural practices.

• Pick-your-own (P) operations are located on the individual farm, and are usually associated with fruits and berries. Harvest your own produce at its peak freshness.

• Roadside stands (R) Are usually located on the farm or close by. Some are small markets offering a wide variety of items.

• Subscription (S) farms charge a fee for membership that entitles subscribers to a weekly share of fresh food grown on the farm.

• Wholesale (W) farms sell wholesale to groceries and/or restaurants.

• Meat (M) farms sell meat products.

We hope this guide will also help put you in touch with Missouri and Illinois growers of quality food–and provide an opportunity for a fun outing as well.