Support local farmers by buying fresh produce at farmers’ markets and u-pick farms.

Farmers’ markets provide some of the freshest, tastiest garden fare and a lot of other goodies, including cut flowers, homemade baked goods, honey, maple syrup, apple cider and organic meats. And u-pick farms? Well, it doesn’t get any fresher than this!

Michigan is fortunate to have over 250 farmers’ markets and u-pick farms spread across the state. So why shop farmers’ markets? There are plenty of reasons, according to David Glen, MSU Extension Director for Presque Isle County.

“Most of these are rural, local producers,” Glen says. “You’re supporting a local business and keeping them in business.” Presque Isle County’s farmer’s market is in downtown Rogers City.

Another good reason to shop the farmers’ markets is the interaction that takes place between buyer and seller. “It’s a real pleasant atmosphere,” Glen says. “You can talk to vendors about the produce they’re selling and even get recipes. There is a lot of interaction you wouldn’t get at a supermarket.“

Farmers’ markets can be organized by any community entity: chamber of commerce, downtown development association, MSU Extension, a private association, or a combination thereof. There is usually a fee to set up and a contract to sign. These are real businesses which seek to stay competitive and not undercut local grocers or each other. Your local cooperative extension or chamber of commerce will be able to provide you with information on setting up your own stand in your county.

Glen said that the number of farmers’ markets in the state and country is “definitely on the increase,” which should come as no surprise to people who are familiar with the experience. People are drawn to them for obvious reasons: fresh, locally-grown produce and an enjoyable outing where you can talk to the people who grow and produce your food – they may even be neighbors.

Ed Lamb of Rogers City gets up early on Saturday mornings during the summer so he doesn’t miss out on fresh bakery breads and other specialty items. He also enjoys the interaction with the people who shop the market.

“It’s a real opportunity to make new friends with people around the county and people with similar interests,” said Lamb. “It promotes community on a Saturday morning.”

Here are a few tips to make your trip enjoyable and fruitful:

• Find the nearest farmers’ market. The Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Web site (see last paragraph) lists all of the farmers’ markets and u-pick farms in the state. It is also fun to shop farmers’ markets when you’re out of town. Buying fresh produce on the road will keep your family eating healthy. Be sure to buy produce that can be consumed on the road or brought home without spoiling.

• Shop the aisles, Glen says, searching for the best quality and price. And, walk the entire market first so you have money left over for the sourdough bread or local honey at the end of the line. Pack a cooler and bring ice, if possible. Bring a bucket of water for fresh cut flowers.

• Have an idea what vegetables and fruits are in season in your area or the Midwest. Cantaloupes in June are most likely imported from California. You can get the same thing at your supermarket.

• Inquire about the freshness of the product. This is particularly true of produce that loses its sugar content quickly, such as peas and beans. Sample the produce, if possible.

• Talk to the grower. Many local growers are either certified organic farmers or use fewer chemicals to produce their food, and they’re usually more than willing to discuss how they grow it.

• Dress for the occasion, and bring bug dope, if you’re going to a u-pick farm. A wide-brim hat will help keep you cool.

Food safety is always a concern, whether you’re buying from the grocery store or an open-air market. Always visually check the quality of the produce you find at the markets, especially meat and mushrooms.

MSU Extension supports Project Fresh, a cooperative venture between the health department’s WIC (Women with Infant Children) program and other agencies to encourage healthy eating by young mothers and their children. Coupons worth $20 are issued to young mothers and children (ages 1-5) in $2 increments. Participants will also view a 15-20 minute video on the nutritional value of fresh vegetables and how to prepare them.

For more information on farmers’ markets and u-pick farms or to find one near you, visit here www.michigan.gov/mda.