By Susan Condlin
Are you waiting for farm fresh tomatoes, for the farmers to open their farm stands and for the local farmers’ markets to open up? Aren’t we all! The growth in farmers’ markets, farm stands and tailgate markets have been phenomenal in North Carolina. You don’t have to go far to find locally grown produce. It seems to me just about every large and small town in our state has a farmers market. Even some unique out-of-the-way places will have a farmers’ market.
Last weekend’s spotty warm weather, the flowers and shrubs blooming and talk of area festivals has told me it is spring and I’m the mood for fresh locally grown and farm-raised products. A variety of Farmer Markets within fifty miles of us are now open for business. For a complete list of pick-your-own farms, roadside farm markets, and farmers markets throughout North Carolina check out the North Carolina Farm Fresh directory at http://www.ncfarmfresh.com/. The directory is designed to help you find the freshest locally grown fruits, vegetables, meat products, Christmas trees, ornamental plants, flowers, and herbs.
If you live in Lee County you will be glad to know that our Sanford Farmers Market, located at Depot Park in downtown Sanford, is now open for business. Market Manager Carol Hargrove is predicting a bigger and better market this year. Right now you will find a lot of bedding plants for your own garden, meat products, lettuce and fresh greens, baked goods, fresh farm eggs, granola, soap, natural fibers, flowers, potted plants. Exciting activities are also being planned during this season. Watch for live music, cooking demonstrations using farm fresh products, Extension Master Gardener Volunteers answering questions and more. To keep informed about the Sanford Farmers Market be sure to “Like” their Facebook page and be one of the first to know what will be available at the weekly market.
In a week or two, purchasing items from the vendors will be easier with many of the vendors taking EBT and debit cards. The ever-popular Farmers Market Nutrition Program for WIC and Seniors will take place again this year at our Market. And of course…. cash is always a good and welcomed payment.
The rain has delayed our strawberry crop but in a week or so the Market will be flooded with strawberries and once that happens, you’ll start to see a wide range of produce coming in from the fields. As summer nears, look for more vendors to be at the market. The Sanford Farmers Market is open on Saturday’s from 9am-12 noon. Plans are to keep the market open through October, depending on the produce availability. Keep in mind to shop early for the best and most abundant selection. In July our market will open a second location at the Lee County Senior Enrichment Center. They will set up from 10am-12noon on Tuesdays. The general public is invited to stop and shop.
There are advantages for both consumers and growers when shopping at a farmers’ market. Buying directly from farmers allows consumers to put a face with the products they are buying and ask questions of their grower. Buying direct pays full retail price to the farmer and provides consumers with the freshest produce at the peak of harvest. In addition, it’s a social event. You will see friends and neighbors; meet new friends; you’ll talk to the vendors and farmers, and have a sample or two. It’s a great place to be on Saturday mornings.
If you are unable to get out to a the Sanford Farmers Market or a local farm be sure to look for the food products with the “Got to Be NC” logo when shopping at your favorite grocery stores. The program guidelines assure us that these food items are grown, raised, packaged or processed in North Carolina using NC food and resource products. If you don’t see your favorite food products with this logo, be sure to ask for them.
Source:ncsu.edu