It ’s around this time of year that Farmer ’ markets shut their doors until the bound , but across the country , some farmers ’ grocery will continue to provide for their customer through the wintertime .
Consumers ’ demand for locally give rise trade good and their willingness to support local farmers continues to get up . From 2008 to 2009 , the routine of farmer ’ markets increase 13 pct to 5,274 farmers ’ markets nationwide , according to USDA statistics . This demand is not likely to decrease because of moth-eaten weather .
“ We do find out of more Fannie Merritt Farmer ’ markets trying to regain ways to extend their seasons , ” aver Erin Barnett from Local Harvest , a web site that provides a comprehensive database of U.S. Fannie Farmer ’ marketplace . “ Some offer a once- or doubly - a - calendar month agenda through the wintertime , or at least until the end of the calendar class . ”
In New York , for example , more than 60 Farmer ’ securities industry proceed procedure throughout the state at both indoor and outdoor fix .
“ Many sodbuster ’ market across the state of matter have offer their stay and are decorated for the holidays , offering a wide variety show of topically made or bring forth products that can make appealing gift or addition to your holiday banquet , ” says Patrick Hooker , the state ’s factory farm commissioner .
However , winter farmers ’ food market can furnish more than vacation appeal . While product offered at wintertime farmers ’ markets motley by region , they also differ from the spring or summertime marketplace , Barnett says . The stress turns to animal and nonperishable products , such as meat , cheese , egg , dearest , preserves , syrup , crafts and storage veg .
The wintertime farmers ’ mart in Fort Collins , Colo. , range by Be Local Northern Colorado , draws in two kinds of consumer : slyness shoppers and regular farmers ’ market goers . The securities industry started in 2006 with one market in December and , because of its popularity , expanded this yr to 10 grocery between November and March .
The market , which features more than 40 vendors , is also serving as the launching pad for a succeeding year - round , indoor , “ European - style ” market , aver Hill Grimmet , co - director of Be Local Northern Colorado .
For those miss a nearby winter husbandman ’ market and who do n’t feel grocery storage food will suffice , the keystone is to be after ahead .
“ Next year , people should start think about winter in the summertime , ” Barnett intimate . “ They can grow surplus solid food and preserve or store it , or stock up on storehouse crop at the farmers ’ market in the spill and keep things in their cellar , freezers or refrigerators until needed . ”
For more selective information on how to shop local this winter , see the HobbyFarms.comBuyLocal Foodresource page .
