|
|
|
|
California Certified Farmers Markets Bring Fresh Food to Your Neighborhood
California Farmers Markets for Local Food SolutionsFarmers Markets are a growing phenomenon across America. In fact they are the fastest growing segment of the food industry according to the USDA. So much of success is about the "system" and in California a robust system has been developed to bring fresh foods into urban areas directly from the farm. These micro, small and not-so-small farmers and food-related enterprises are able to connect with their customers without middlemen. Friendships are an important secondary crop of this multi-cultural food system! No monoculture here!Local County Farmers Sell Direct to ConsumersA Certified Farmers Market is a location approved by the county agricultural commissioner where certified farmers offer for sale only those agricultural products they grow themselves. California Certified Farmers' Markets are operated in accordance with regulations established in 1977 by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. These locations can be a blocked off street, a park, or an empty lot. There are nearly 500 Certified Farmers Markets in the State now and the number is growing every year.California Certified Farmers' Markets are "the real thing," places where genuine California farmers sell their fresh picked crops directly to the public in over 500 communities throughout the state. Benefits of Farmers Markets for Farmers, the Environment and ConsumersIf you are interested in supporting our safe and responsible agricultural system in California, then you will want to be a patron at our Certified Farmers' Markets.Certified Farmers Markets provide multiple benefits for small farmers, consumers and the community. For farmers, the certified farmers markets provide an outlet especially suited to moving smaller volumes of produce, thus creating a marketing channel outside of the traditional large volume distribution systems. CFM's also allow farmers to sell field run produce not restricted to pack and grade standards. This enables the farmer to sell tree ripened fruit which is too delicate for the packing and shipping process. It also increases profits for the farmers because of the cost savings. If you want fresh fruits and vegetables available, then you need to shop at a Certified Farmers' Market. The number one reason consumers shop at Certified Farmers' Markets is quality. Fresh picked, vine and tree ripened quality produce continues to attract regular patronage at the CFM's in California today. Cost savings is also attractive to customers. This is possible because the direct sales by farmers to the consumer eliminates the cost of middleman marketing. At a California Farmers Market, you are buying directly from California farmers. PS: Remember to bring your own shopping bags...save plastic and save our environment in as many ways as you can. Walk or bike. Take a friend. Eat more organics to save our soil and water -- and your health. Make it fun...visiting your local Farmers Market is like taking a weekly trip to the country! Find a Farmers Market in Your CommunityStart a Farmers Market in Your CommunityFor information on how to start a certified farmers' market, contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Certified Farmers' Market Program, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.MORE INFORMATION California Federation of Certified Farmers' Markets 530-753-9999 P.O. Box 1813 Davis, California 95617 California Farmers Market
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ABOUT CALIFORNIA GREEN SOLUTIONS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
