Shopping at Farmers Markets.

Farmers markets are a form of direct selling that is very old in its origins and simple in its format. It is a group of farmers and producers selling from behind a table anywhere from a church hall to a pavilion.
 
This weekly opportunity is a time for consumers to buy fresh local produce from fruit and vegetables to meat and dairy products.
As the people who have grown the crops are the ones selling them they are able to talk to the customer about growing conditions, how to cook them and is on hand to answer any questions put to them. The farmers themselves also able to have feedback from the buyers finding out direct from the consumer what is selling well and why.
The customer shopping in this way is assured they know where the food has come from and that it is fresh, and has therefore maintained its nutrients.
 Farmers at the markets come from an area of no more than 30- 50 miles and all on sale has to have been grown, reared, or baked by the stallholder. To ensure that this happens The National Retail and Markets Association, F.A.R.M.A. independently certifies markets so customers can be confident that they are genuine.
Popularity of farmers markets has increased rapidly in recent years. There are now currently approximately 200 certified markets over the country. This is a positive step forward as it is beneficial to the local community and its commerce. It is also contributes to helping the environment as there is less fuel consumption involved in the process.
It is also better for the farmers as it is direct selling allowing them to retain more profit and therefore the consumer as this local fresh produce on sale is not expensive.