Outdoor markets, better known as "farmers markets" are more than meets the eyes. They became less about the food, and more about the experience. It's really a lifestyle movemement within itself with many benefits and perks that come with it. When I first told family that I would be operating and managing a farmers market, I pretty much received no response at all. Mainly because like most of us, they weren't really sure what that meant. Honestly, neither did I. What I was aware of was the fact that in my search for answers regarding the food industry, this opportunity crossed my path. Pretty exciting news.
Many of us think of a farmers market as some kind of backwoods, depressing archaic method of obtaining goods and food. This is a common misconception. Actually markets are a lively, enjoyable, refreshing and family-friendly experience. Many markets have not only fresh produce, but there is also a variety of natural dairy products, essential oils, soaps, spices, clothing and things of interest for children as well. In a sense, it's like attending a community garden party where you see your neighborhood friends, listen to local music as well as support local farmers and ranchers.
The part that many of us overlook is that each of us can make a difference! When we decide to buy locally, that money is used by the local farmers to continue growing their crops for the community. When buying from a farmers market we are pretty much getting first pick since most of the time the grower is selling wholesale through the market. This means that instead of hiring a distributor to secure a contract with a food store or grocery chain, they are deciding to sell directly to the community (us). Can you see how one hand feeds the other? This is how we can become less dependent on the monopolized grocery chains. Since the produce is grown locally, we are supporting a network of local farmers and doing our part to help ensure that these farmers can continue their local growing operations. Also, organic farmers receive no subsidies or government handouts which puts the cost of paying for pricey certifications, inspections and high insurance plans solely on the grower. In case you were wondering, this is why the things we buy the most such as milk or juice, seem super cheap compared to their organic counterparts. We immediately become environmentalists because we decide to buy for quality as opposed to basing this on a price point. Typically, the wholesale price that farmers get for their produce is quite low; consequently, these farmers then take their produce and sell it directly to you, bypassing a middle man (grocery supplier) altogether. This also results in usually less expensive prices for us in the long run.
Quality of the food. There is so much I can say about this point alone, however lets discuss the main reason. First off, you will feel better! Fortunately, farmer's markets often provide produce and food that is grown both naturally and organically which provides a superior taste quality than at other outlets. Farmers who sell their produce at farmer's markets are able to retain the nutritional content of their products by picking their produce at the very peak of its flavor, during the appropriate season. Here are a few common nasty ingredients organic farmers help keep totally out of our soil, water, air and bodies: toxic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, sewage sludge, antibiotics and growth hormones. All of which are known to cause grave physical damage in people as well as other lifeforms (fish, bees, frogs, etc). Another great perk is that the food they sell usually does not travel very far to get to your table (farm to table), which helps to ensure that the food does not become damaged as it sometimes does when being transported to grocery stores. It is simply more nutritional, less processed and typically more fresh for consumption.
Environmental Reasons. There are a couple things that may be affected by the purchase of produce from markets. How about climate change? Soil conservation? Soil used in natural and organic agricultural practices holds more water during droughts and floods. Plants that are grown organically also have an elaborate and more resilient root system, so they can for longer time frames in extreme weather. Organic soil holds much more carbon, uses much less fossil fuel resources while sustaining habitats for all the creatures that help keep our planet healthy. Also, the amount of fossil fuel use is decreased in the delivery of the produce from farms to our dinner table. The farming practices of local farmers can be directly attributed to better soil, healthier habitats for wildlife as well as aide in decreased fossil fuel use. Put plainly, since the growers are not using numerous chemicals to accelerate and control the crop growth, we can rest assured that the food we buy at the farmers market is not harmful to our environment. It's simply the way nature intends it to be.
Enjoy the market!
CC
