The Beauty of A Farmers Market

It may be hard to wrap your mind around the fact that you were not always able to get your meat and produce at the supermarket. Yes, it is true. For most of history people have had to go to a farmers market in order to find the basic necessities of life. The supermarket is a relatively modern invention when compared to the farming industry. People relied on local farmers to get their produce or they were forced to grow their own food in order to support their families.

Food and agriculture has always been around but it was not until 1916 that the first self service supermarket was introduced. Clarence Saunders opened up his Piggly Wiggly chain in Memphis, Tennessee. It was not the “total” supermarket that you find today because fresh meat and produce were not sold, only canned and boxed goods. The expansion to selling meat and produce came from Michael J. Cullen in 1930. His King Kullen grocery stores were a hit and many other companies adopted the same ideas for selling everything that a family could need.

Unfortunately the farmers market took a decline. Chemical substances were used to kill pests, especially insects, and even though there was a small movement against the use of these pesticides, most people found it more convenient to simply buy from a supermarket. With the organic movement, more small farmers are able to sell their produce at local farmers’ markets. In 1994 there were an estimated 1,755 markets in the United States. By 2006, the number of markets has more than doubled to a whopping 4,385.

Small produce stands and farmers’ markets cannot compete against supermarkets. But that is not their purpose. The market for fresh, organically grown produce is about safety and trying to keep the environment safe while still enjoying locally grown vegetables and produce. Small farmers find that they can sell their produce for a fair, marketable price and keep their operation in business.

Everyone should take a trip to a farmers market. You have the wonderful opportunity to pick up fresh produce and even find canned items, such as jams and jellies. It is a wonderful experience. You can check out www.farmersmarket.com to get a listing of farmers markets located all around the country. Some are even completely organic!