Support our local farmers

Last month my husband, Bruce, and I had a nice vacation at Mt. Rainier and Seattle.  Of course we visited the renowned Pike's Market.  Oh, if only Fort Scott was located along a port that received fresh goods daily!  I ate myself through the market with fresh pastries, fresh Rainier cherries and seafood.  Local farmers and citizens brought to their market fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and locally made crafts.  It is a comforting feeling that we were sampling foods that are 'ripened on the vine' and free from pesticide/insecticides.  Healthy.  It also brought to my mind our own locally grown food items and 'farmer's market'.

When I visit my local farmers market, I know that every tomato, cucumber, zucchini (unfortunately, no Rainier cherries) I purchase helps my community's local farmers pay their bills and support their families. Not only do I enjoy the health benefits and the wonderful flavors from fresh produce ripened by mother nature, but I am helping local producers stay in business.  It also allows people who may have no previous connection of experience with farm life or agriculture to learn more about food production and how to enjoy a variety of health-promoting foods.

This week, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, proclaimed August 7-13th, 2011 as National Farmers Market Week.  Since 2000, the number of farmers markets has grown 150%.  As demand for fresh, local food and shoppers look to establish relationships with the farms that make food possible, farmers markets bolster local economies in large and small communities.  Research shows that farmers markets spur spending at neighboring businesses.  Studies have found that farmers market customers are also shopping at the surrounding businesses.  Kansas Farmers Coalition reportd that Emporia Farmers Market in Emporia, Kansas generated $36,000 in sales tax between 2003 and 2010, supporting the state and local economy.

Our Fort Scott farmers market will likely never become as renowned at Pike's Market in Seattle, a permanent landmark, open 365 days a year with a meat market offering locally fed and grown beef, pastries made from our homegrown wheat, etc., however the next time that you are in need for eggs, and tomatoes, melons, and cucumbers, visit our local market.  Think of the economic investment you are making to the local farmer and community as you enjoy the tastes of sun ripened produce.