Saturday, October 3, 2009

Have You Visited Your Farmer's Market This Week?

Farmers' Markets Show Surge in Growth

Monday, 28 September 2009
The number of farmers’ markets in the USA rose by five percent over the previous year. However, Utah saw its number double since last year and Massachusetts, Illinois and Californai also showed big increases. The USDA estimates that there are now nearly 4,900 active farmers’ markets. Factors driving the surge include a growing desire by consumers to know more about their food sources, concern over the environment and an increased sense of community. "Its perfect for us, "Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan told USA Today. "We want to find ways to help people live healthier lifestyles and increase prosperity for farmers." Delayne Reeves of the Illinois Department of Agriculture said the recession has made people "more home centered" and this had helped spur interest in local foods

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