My Farmers Market

One simple reason is that it supports our local farmers. By buying directly from the farmer and their stall there is no middleman. This means that the prices are lower for the buyer and the farmer doesnt have to work with anyone else to sell his goods. Therefore he or she can keep more of the money you give to him/her.

This helps farmers , especially on the smaller farms, stay in business and make a decent profit-while you still get the goods at a good price.

In addition you can ask the farmer at your local Farmers Market, directly any questions you want to know about how the vegetables are produced, how the animals are kept etc

Its a really different feel shopping at a Local farmers market to shopping in a supermarket.

Now that we have been doing this for a while we know the same farmers and are building up a relationship/rapport with them. We also meet other people there, some we know , some we don't know but people seem to be happier to chat and pass the time of day with you when its in this environment.

Parents bring their kids who can run around safe. People bring their dogs and its a good sociable atmosphere.

Often at our local farmers market there is live entertainment from local groups and bands as well. People just seem more relaxed somehow...

It is really lovely to have this sense of community so lacking in many areas of life now.

Most of the food at a farmers market is really fresh. Vegetables and fruit picked very recently are sweet and tender. It usually hasn't travelled far, so is fresher and better for you.

From the second food is picked or harvested, any natural sugars start to turn to starch, so the longer it travels and takes to get to you the less tasty it will be.

When you buy direct from a farmer, you are in touch with the seasons and generally seasonal veg and fruit will be on their stalls. This produce is therefore at its best and most abundant and therefore often cheaper.

If you buy locally grown produce at your farmers market, not only are you cutting the miles food usually travels but you are helping your local farmers and craftspeople. The better they do potentially the more job creation there may be available.

Also farmers markets have become a bit of a tourist attraction in some areas, attracting people visiting the area to try out local produce and if self catering in a holiday cottage or camping to buy their food there too.

It is not all about the food either, at our local market there are a variety of craft stalls run by local people including handmade soaps, candles, and items like picture framing. Garden goods can be found such as wormeries, outdoor decorations, herbs, fruit trees and flowers.

It can be a great place to find that special unique present for friends and family or even just for you or your home!

Sadly some food heading for supermarkets is rejected as it does not look the standard the supermarkets want to sell, ie it is the wrong size or shape or sometimes not quite the right colour. This is what supermarkets think we want. So good food is rejected and goes to waste.

Personally I do not care what size my carrots are, or if my cabbage is a perfect shape, just that they are good to eat! You may well find a variety of shapes, sizes and colours of produce at a local farmers market, but it's all tasty!

There are many stalls that can be found at a local farmers market! Its is not all about fruit and veg and meats either! Here is a selection(not a definitive list) of the type of stalls you might find....

Free Range Eggs
Cheeses
Wormeries
Herb plants
Fruit trees
Flowers
Fruit and vegetables
Locally made /handmade Greetings cards
Local crafts
Handmade soaps/candles etc
Garden decorative crafts
Speciality meats
Local produced sausage/fishcakes etc
Standard meats
Homemade jams, marmalades, pickles etc
Local artists
Pet supplies.
etc