Farmers’ Markets . . . A Favorite Community Recipe

It is 4:00 a.m. and the family of Jim and Rose Mary Thomas, Higginsville, are out in the field picking fresh sweet corn by headlight to take to the farmers’ market. They sell at the Blue Springs, Lafayette County and Columbia Farmers’ Markets.

Farmer's tomatoes and peppers. www.iStockphoto.com

Farmers’ markets in Missouri all have their own recipe for success. The main ingredients are farmers and the consuming community members. Add in a teaspoon of entertainment, such as musicians or chef demonstrations, and you have an extra tasty experience at the market.

You will find just about everything you need on the menu at the farmers’ market. From the traditional items like tomatoes and sweet corn, to the harder to find treats like blueberries, peaches, artisan cheeses and breads, along with desserts for the sweet tooth. Value-added items continue to be popular, too, from the traditional jams and jellies to more eclectic items like pesto and smudge (sheep milk fudge).

An ingredient gaining in popularity at the farmers’ markets is processed meats. Beef, lamb, pork, turkeys and chickens are making appearances at farmers’ markets and onto the plates of consumers.

Not only are the products great at the farmers’ market, but one of the best things at the farmers’ market is the experience it offers to the community. Numerous markets, both urban and rural, are holding special events and fund-raisers to attract customers and to educate consumers about the products available during the growing season.

Farmers’ markets are helping their communities through partnerships with local not-for-profits. The Columbia Farmers’ Market teamed up with a local Boy Scout troop to teach the troop to plant, harvest and sell a sweet corn crop. The Webb City Farmers’ Market teamed up with a local food pantry and churches. The churches held a community bake sale at the farmers’ market, with proceeds going to the food pantry.

Organic tomatoes in baskets are for sale right in front of the field where they were grown. www.iStockphoto.com

Farmers’ markets are truly an important economic development ingredient to communities. It’s said that for every dollar spent at a farmers’ market, seven more dollars are spent within the community. Farmers’ markets draw in customers from within at least a 20 mile radius. When the customers go to the market, they probably go to the grocery store to get ingredients to complement what they bought at the farmers’ market.

In some towns or cities, the farmers’ market is the key ingredient to strengthening existing businesses and attracting new ones. In Ferguson, Missouri, businesses see an increase in sales on Saturday mornings when the farmers’ market is open. The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ferguson sponsor the market.

Farmer’s markets are a great investment for communities. Whether it is the farmer harvesting at 4:00 a.m., the consumer buying great agricultural products, or the local not-for-profit gaining exposure, all are key ingredients to making farmers’ market the favorite community recipe.

Sample this recipe and find your local farmers’ market by clicking on www.agrimissouri.com or http://agebb.missouri.edu/fmktdir.

Tammy Bruckerhoff
Horticulture and Agritourism
Missouri Department of Agriculture
573-751-3394