Farmers’ Markets Go Online

An increasing number of markets are establishing internet web sites where they can post news about upcoming events at the market, feature up and coming crops, and post seasonal recipes for their customers. Many of them also send out a weekly email newsletter to their internet-savvy customers, and even establish links on their web sites to individual farmer/vendors’ web pages. Some growers who sell at the markets are also finding that internet e-mail is a quick and inexpensive way to keep in regular contact with their farmers’ market customers. Regular customers send weekly email orders to the farm and then find it pre-bagged and waiting for them at the market - this saves them from having to come early to purchase items that usually sell out. In addition, customers can e-mail special requests for the farmer to bring to the market.

Community Rejuvenation and Economic Revitalization

The "New" Farmers’ Market: Educating the Public about Local Food and Agriculture

"The New Farmers’ Market" takes its title from the last section in the book which talks about how the vibrancy of urban centers goes hand-in-hand with the vitality of the surrounding rural areas - with farmers’ markets as their meeting place. At the U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual meeting in June, 2001, the policy "Promoting the Preservation of Urban Influenced Farmland" was adopted. This policy recognizes that the preservation of nearby farmland helps provide food supply stability while contributing to the overall quality of life in metropolitan areas. Co-author Vance Corum states: "The farmers’ market renaissance over the last 30 years has revived a rich tradition of vibrant, entrepreneurial culture. It is happening as communities seek to reconnect with their roots, revitalize the local farm scene, provide fresh produce to urban populations, gain access to organic products, and create vibrant communities. Amongst the public education programs featured in "The New Farmers’ Market" are Taste Festivals, Shop with the Chef, Meet the Producer, Cooking With Kids, the Farmers’ Market Salad Bar Program, and the Senior Nutrition Program. As Pam Roy, executive director of the Friends of the Farmers’ Markets in Santa Fe, New Mexico, says: "We want people to be conscious about where they buy their food and why. We want to let people know they can be involved in their local food system, and that by buying a tomato that is grown locally in the community instead of the supermarket variety, they’re supporting the local economy."

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