Most people have likely driven by a road-side vegetable stand or farmers market, some without a second thought. Such sights are becoming increasingly popular, however, as society becomes more focused on eating healthy. While it may seem like a recent phenomenon, the modern day farmers market in America actually has roots stretching back several decades. According to a 2006 Los Angeles Times article, one of the first farmers markets in the United States was the Gardena farmers market in Southern California. It began operations in 1979 with the intent of not only uniting farmers with consumers, but also giving smaller growers the opportunity to remain competitive in the commercial farming industry.
Traditional farmers markets have existed since our ancestors, the first farmers, had excess crops that they were not using to feed their families. These farmers would gather, typically in the town square, to trade their excess harvest. Times have changed, however, and participants in today’s farmers markets are as concerned about providing a healthy product as they are with making a profit. In addition, the atmosphere is unlike that found in any traditional supermarket. Often times, relationships are developed between farmer and consumer that last for decades.
According to Farmers Markets of America, customers are drawn to farmers markets for three main reasons: food quality, better prices, and a great social atmosphere. Evidence seems to show that overall prices at a typical farmers market are lower than prices at a supermarket because the process of production is more concise, there is less distance to travel, and fewer middlemen are involved. Farmers markets also benefit the community around them. Based on a study conducted by Farmers Markets of America, 90% of the money gained at farmers’ markets stays in the community.
The greater Fargo/Moorhead area is home to several farmers markets, one of which is Hildebrant’s Farmers Market in West Fargo. Owned and operated by Trina Kalm, Hildebrant’s offers a wide variety of plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruit. Kalm purchased the market from her parents eleven years ago, which has been in her family for three generations. “I’ve been a part of it since I was a kid,” she said. Purchasing the market was an easy decision for Kalm. “I just love growing things and being outside,” she said, adding that the developing relationships with people is her favorite part of the business. “Every day is different.”
Kalm believes farmers markets are so popular because people enjoy purchasing products that are fresh and local so they can eat as close to home as possible. “We grow it all naturally on a farm twenty-five miles from here. Nothing is shipped in.” Kalm has noticed a change in customer base in recent years. “More young people are interested in eating healthier,” she said.
Delores Halverson has also noticed younger customers at farmers markets. Delores and her husband have participated in farmers markets for over twenty years as owners of The Blue House. Their products range from jellies, jams, barbecue sauces, and syrups, all of which are made from products that are purchased from local farmers. “People like that our jams and jellies are not full of preservatives,” she said. “People want to be healthier.”
Like Kalm, Halverson enjoys the atmosphere of the farmers market. “It is fun to meet new people and talk with them,” she said. “It’s a family atmosphere.” One of her favorite parts of farmers markets is the satisfaction she sees among the growers. “People really take pride in what they sell.”
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, The Blue House can be found at the Dike West Farmers Market, operated by the Great Plains Producer Association’s Community Farmers Market. This past Saturday, customers crammed under tents and canopies at the Dike to purchase their fruits and vegetables, even as the rain poured down. Along with The Blue House, representatives from Driscoll Farms, Breadsmith, and Bill Erbes Farms were on hand selling a wide variety of products. An additional farmers market hosted by Down by the Dike is held at Dike East on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Those F/M residents that travel to the lakes country every weekend need not feel left out. One of the biggest markets in the area is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays at City Park in Detroit Lakes. The Lakes Area Farmers Market has been in operation since 1998 and boasts “the best and freshest local foods and artisan products.” Providers in attendance this past Saturday included Jorschumb Farms, Feel Good Gardens, Woodchuck Community Farms, Pam’s Salsa from the Lakeview Greenhouse, Buddy’s Berries, Lida Farm, Breadsmith, and Cresswell’s Perennial Gardens.
Woodchuck Community Farms is new to the farmers market. It is Kayla and Christian Pridmore’s first year operating a farm, which they run on land that has been in Kayla’s family for generations. “We are a family-run farm that produces chemical free nutrient dense vegetables picked by hand daily to ensure the freshest, highest quality produce.”
Even though their farm is in the first year of operation, the Pridmore’s interest in organic farming goes back to their days in college. Operating a farm was a natural step after graduation. So far, things are going well. “It is a super-diverse vegetable farm with over fifty different vegetables and over one hundred different varieties of tomatoes,” Kayla said, adding that participating in farmers markets is an added benefit. “We spend a great deal of time alone, so it is so fun to go talk to others about what they are eating and preparing,” she said. “The best part is having people come back and tell us about it.”
Kayla would like to invite anyone who hasn’t been to a farmers market to stop by for a visit. “It is such a great community event with lots to do and see,” she said. “You will find the best quality products at farmers markets because people are passionate about what they do.” Kayla believes that farmers markets offer something for people of all ages, including children. “Bring the kids,” she suggests. “It’s really fun.”
Many of the growers who participate in farmers markets also operate Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs. According to the USDA, “Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production.”
Typically, members or share-holders of the farm pay a fee in advance to cover the cost of the farm’s operation in exchange for a portion of the production over the growing season. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing. On the other hand, consumers know exactly where their food is coming from and how it was produced.
Heather Stephens of Moorhead recently made the decision to participate in a local CSA. “We struggle with incorporating fresh fruits and veggies into our daily diet,” she said. “After much research and conversation, my hubby and I decided that by committing to the CSA, this would be a great opportunity for us to broaden our horizons in fruit and veggies.” So far, Stephens believes the CSA experience has been very successful. “It is a great way to purchase locally grown produce,” she said. “We all just love it.”
Between area farmers markets and local CSA programs, there are many opportunities for the average consumer to purchase fresh and healthy food. Those who have never been to a farmers market should check it out; the days of farmers gathering in the town square to swap excess crops are over. Today’s farmers markets are fun and friendly atmospheres full of a variety of products. There is sure to be something for just about anyone.
More information on farmers markets in North Dakota can be found at
http://www.nd.gov/ndda/program-info/farmers-markets/farmers-market-directory/#cass. Information on Minnesota markets can be found at http://mfma.org/pages/OurMarkets/.
Farmers Markets
How Times Have Changed