It’s hard to resist the ambiance of a Saturday morning farmers market — the warm sunshine beating down on colorful tents, the fresh scents of home-baked goods and homegrown produce, and the enthusiastic chatter of happy patrons as they move from one vendor to the next. It’s an occasion for the whole family to enjoy and a worthwhile activity for both producers and consumers to participate in throughout the summer.
With more than 163 active farmers markets in the state of Tennessee, there’s no better way to celebrate National Farmers Market Week than to visit one in preparation for your next meal. You will likely discover uncommon fruits and vegetables that are not offered in grocery stores and expand your portfolio of new recipes and seasonal varieties to try.
The prevalence of farmers markets has steadily increased over the years as consumers recognize the importance of knowing where their food comes from and eating habits trend toward fresh, locally grown food products. At the farmers market, you can collect produce that is harvested at peak ripeness; not only will your food be more flavorful, but it will be more nutritious as well thanks to less time from farm to table.
Kathy Mihalczo, president of East Tennessee Farmers Association for Retail Marketing (FARM), which operates the state’s oldest farmers market in Oak Ridge, says that consumers are becoming more concerned with getting back to the roots of agriculture and living simply within their means.
“It’s an amazing experience to personally meet the farmer who grew your food,” says Mihalczo. “Not only do you know your produce is fresh, but you can also learn new recipes, preparation tips, and storage techniques. Farmers markets are full of educational opportunities, and they can be a great learning experience for anyone interested in homesteading or those wanting to be more conscious about the environment.”
Consumers are not the only people who benefit from farmers markets. Farmers and producers gain invaluable insight direct from the end user. John Clifford, owner of Clifford’s Perennial and Vine in Lewisburg, says that his mornings at the Main Street Saturday Market of Murfreesboro help him tailor his choice of plants throughout the growing season to the wants of his customers.
“Coming to the farmers market helps me to connect with people and see what it is that truly interests them,” says Clifford. “These markets are like ambassadors between the end customer and farmers — it bridges that disconnect.”
Nancy Holland, 90-year-old volunteer manager of the McKenzie Farmers Market, agrees.
“The reason I do what I do is for the vendors,” says Holland. “I want them to sell a lot and to have that line of communication with their customers. I know that for me, the best part about the farmers market is renewing relationships with friends and acquaintances.”
Because of farmers’ contribution to the community, shopping locally not only financially supports small business owners, but also contributes to a healthy, sustainable state. When consumers buy from a food retailer, less than 15 cents of every dollar is given back to the producer. However, farmers markets cut out the middleman, whereby 100% of the profits go to the food provider for a continuous cycle of reinvestment into the community.
Twin Bridge Farm owner, Jamie Moreau, who is featured on pages 22 and 23, says that not only are farmers markets an important source of revenue for local farmers and small business owners, but customers will likely experience the cost benefit as well.
“Farmers markets allow us to offer our fresh produce for cheaper than consumers could find in a grocery store,” says Moreau. “Promoting local farmers also keeps the income and wages right in our community, which encourages new, young growers to get involved.”
According to national statistics, there are 3.5 times as many farmers over the age of 65 as there are under the age of 35, but in recent years, there has been a changing trend in this demographic. For many young and beginner farmers, ranchers, and producers, farmers markets provide one of the only low-barrier entry points into the business.
Kelsey Tucker and Matthieu Legrain, the young owners of Belle Fleur Farm, say that the farmers market in Murfreesboro has been their primary source of income over the past year and was a pivotal growth opportunity for their business when they decided to offer their produce to the public.
“Times were tough during the
pandemic, but when we found the f
armers market last year, it gave us the chance to earn a living doing what we loved to do,” says Tucker. “When we started Belle Fleur Farm, we were both working day jobs and farming on the side, but with the business we get from the farmers market, we’re happy to say that we’re now full-time growers!”
Farmers markets are much more than just a place to sell food — they are a community gathering place in which neighbors fellowship with neighbors, patrons experience the benefits of healthy eating habits, and rural and urban living are connected.
Pick Tennessee Products makes it easy to find a farmers market near you. Visit picktnproducts.org for a complete list of market locations and follow @PickTNProducts on social media to find fresh, local, fun from the farm.