Franklin County

   April 2008
 

Buy fresh produce locally

Where does your food come from? There is a growing interest in farmer’s markets or community markets.

A major advantage of the farmer’s market is that it provides an effective marketing system for the local producer or farmer. The producers are  often part-time, retired, or hobby     gardeners looking to supplement their incomes.

Farmer’s markets are much more than just a place to sell food. They are a venue for socializing, and where urban residents have the opportunity to directly interact with the farmers or producers. Consumers benefit by receiving fresh, high quality products.

Farmer’s markets have helped revitalized many downtown districts, bringing people to areas that were once vacant on Saturday mornings.

A large majority of people don’t bat an eye at the sight of strawberries or perfect tomatoes in winter.

In the space of a generation, we’ve become accustomed to eating food that’s never grown roots in local soil. In fact, most produce grown and food produced in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles before it reaches your dinner plate.

For greatest freshness and quality, buy local. Lists of local farmers and farmer’s markets can be found on the following website: http://extension.missouri.edu/ecregion/market/index.shtml

Adapted from an article by: Jennifer Schutter, Horticulture Specialist, University of Missouri Extension

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		University of Missouri Extension Franklin County Site maintained by: Billie Jo Brenner, brennerbj@missouri.edu Last revised: 07/02/08