Farmers markets win-win for state, local communities

Americans enjoy some of the cheapest and most abundant varieties of food in the world.

Some question the production methods that are used to provide that abundance, however, and a GMO labeling bill recently signed by President Obama is controversial because it allegedly overrides state laws requiring labeling of genetically engineered foods.

While we may have no idea where most of the foods in chain grocery stores come from, that's not true of the foods we can find at local farmers markets, including the one that appears every Saturday morning in the Westview Plaza parking lot in McCook.

Show up early Saturday morning for the best selection, and you'll find the freshest in local produce from sources like Klooz Farms and dozens of other vendors with garden vegetables, fruits, home-baked goods and other locally-sourced items.

"We continue to see considerable growth in the nmber of farmers markets in the state, and don't expect that trend to end anytime as consumer demand for 'farm to table' produce remains strong," said Greg Ibach, Nebraska Department of Agriculture director.

National Farmers Market week is being celebrated across the country Aug. 7-14.

"We have had a good mix of vendors at these markets," he said. " They range from fulltime producert to hobbyists, to farmers who use the opportunity to diversify their current operation."

The number of farmers markets registered with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has grown by 259 percent over the past 16 years, growing from 39 in 2000 to 101 this year.

Vendors and consumers can find out more at the NDA's online database, www.nda.nebraska.gov with details such as locations, days and times and types of produce being sold.

There are over 600 producers and 100 farmers located in 50 counties statewide.

Federally funded programs such as the seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program both encourage the consumption of locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables among qualifited seniors and families.

"The growth of farmers market in the state has been a win-win for Nebraska," Ibach said. "It provides more opportunities to grow agriculture and more choices for consumers."

A win-win for sure. Local gardeners and producers ca earn income while providing their neighbors with fresh, healthy food.

Check out your local farmers market this week. You'll come away with delicious food for your table and make some new friends in the process.