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Local Initiatives Projects...
Grow A RowA project of CIFT and the Toledo Seagate Food Bank that connects food producers willing to donate excess production to participating food banks located in their vicinity. Farm to SchoolA brief history of school lunch programs involving the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculturer. Food Manufacturers in Northwest OhioA list of companies in our own backyard that produce items you see on your grocer's shelf every week. Northwest Ohio Farmers MarketsThe advantages of buying produce and other goods at farmers markets, a list Northwest Ohio farmers markets, and links to other farmers market resources. AgritourismA discussion of agricultural tourism, its potential as another revenue stream for farmers, and guidance on starting an agritourism venture. Farm to ChefThe Northwest Ohio Fresh Network is a free direct-marketing program for buying and selling local fruits, vegetables, and other locally made products to chefs throughout the food service industry while building long-term business relationships.
Northwest Ohio Farmers Markets
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Consumers today are expressing renewed interest in buying food directly from the farmer or grower. At one time, farmers markets flourished. Over the years, with improved transportation, improved storage facilities and modern mass merchandising, local farmers markets slowly disappeared. Times change. The increasing price of gasoline and other transportation costs, partnered with the consumers' new awareness of the importance of fresh vegetables and fruit in the diet are creating new opportunities for marketing local produce through farmers markets. You don’t realize just what you are missing until you can finally purchase local strawberries. These bright red small gems are sold in the age old balsam quarts they have for generations. The taste is one of sweetness and the earth flavor from which they were picked. Then you truly know why people buy local from farmers markets.
The United States Department notes that there are over 4,300 farmers markets across the country. Farmers markets are an ancient method used by farmers worldwide to sell their produce directly to consumers. As U.S. food production became increasingly industrialized and specialized, farmers markets were replaced by brokers and supermarkets. In the past two decades, however, farmers markets in the U.S. have rapidly regained popularity.
Farmers find a number of advantages in selling at farmers markets. By selling directly to their customers without going through middlemen, farmers can charge retail prices for their produce. A farmers market is a good place for new growers who are perfecting production skills and learning which products customers want most. In addition, many growers enjoy the interaction with customers and other vendors.
For customers, too, the farmers market is not just a place to buy food, but a social affair. A festive atmosphere helps to bring people to markets, where they can talk with farmers about how the produce was grown and how it can be prepared. Markets are starting up everywhere. Currently, the Toledo farmers market is downtown, while Westgate, Sylvania, Waterville, and Perrysburg have markets, and Augsburg Church has joined the group recently. Northwest Ohio has great offerings.
There's much to like about farmers markets: fresh local vegetables and fruits picked at their peak, colorful cut flowers and herbs to add beauty and flavor to the table and the pot; baked goods, fresh eggs and poultry are intermingled with local crafts. Now is the time to check out your local farmers market to see what local farmers have to offer. Food that is fresh and local fits right into the national dialogue on food and the importance of cutting travel distance to the plate, and knowing where and how the food was grown. Consumers who purchase locally not only help support the farmers in the area, but they are helping the local economy since the money stays here. Local foods have better flavor than the well-traveled, tired varieties sold in grocery stores. If you are not sure, just taste a warm-from-the-field fresh local tomato and compare it to one from the store. Northwest Ohio wins hands down. So, come on down to the market, any market; the sights and smells of Mother Nature's bounty await those who look for fresh.
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Farmers' Market Marketing & Business Guide* - An ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service publication
Marketing Local Food - A handbook from the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture
Farmers Markets Today Magazine - a free subscription