USA Today - "Interest In Farmers' Markets Growing"

[TomCADem]

I could almost thank Whole Foods' CEO for his anti-health care reform rant, because boycotting Whole Foods caused me to discover all the farmers' markets in my area. Here is a nice story on the growth of such markets:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2009-09-27-farmers-markets_N.htm

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More neighborhood farmers markets, where consumers can buy fruit and vegetables from local producers, are cropping up across the USA.

Over the past decade, farmers markets have increased 71%, U.S. Department of Agriculture figures show. In July, the department reported that nearly 4,900 markets operate nationwide, up about 5% from the end of last year.

Factors driving the surge include a growing desire by consumers to know more about food sources, concern over the environment and an increased sense of community, agriculture experts, farmers and customers say.

"It's perfect for us," Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan says. "We want to find ways to help people live healthier lifestyles and eat more fruits and vegetables, and increase the economic prosperity for farmers."

Farmers markets got a high-profile boost this month when first lady Michelle Obama gave a speech at the opening of a market in Washington. Obama has made locally grown produce part of her push to get Americans to eat healthier by planting her own garden at the White House.

Lauren Carey, manager of the Peachtree Road Farmers Market in Atlanta, says it has grown exponentially since it opened in 2007. "We've had phenomenal response," she says.

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Who needs Whole Foods? Shop Local!

[Renew Deal]

1. Whole Foods deserves credit for generating interest in farmers markets, but not because of the CEO

People learn about farmers markets, local eating, and healthy lifestyle from Whole Foods.

[Ruby the Liberal]

2. I love my local farmer's market

Try to make it every week.

[get the red out]

3. Love our Farmer's Market and Natural Foods Co-op

Both have wonderful locally grown food. We have a Whole Foods, but our Co-op is still expanding in leaps and bounds despite it.

And I live in a RED state!