The Beauty of A Farmers Market

Believe it or not, there was once a time that the only way to get fresh produce was to either grow it yourself or visit a farmers market. Supermarkets were unheard of and in fact are a recently new innovation to help improve people’s lives. Yes, the farming industry dates back to prehistoric man but in the past most families grew their own produce in small gardens and hoped that it would be enough to get them through the long winter. If they were really lucky, then they would have a bumper harvest and could sell off the excess at market.

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.

If you have never been to a farmers market, then you are definitely missing out on some fantastic opportunities to get fresh, off the vine vegetables. The aroma of freshly picked tomatoes or a ripe cantaloupe is one that should not be missed. If you are looking for a local market, then you can go to www.farmersmarket.com to get a list of certified, organic farms that are close to your home.