Farmers' markets must grow ☺

Published as a letter to the editor in the Watauga Democrat on February 8, 2011.

Through news articles and e-mails I have been keeping abreast of the saga of the Watauga Farmers' Market and its attempts to relocate.

 I have family in Watauga County, and on visits to the area I try to pay a visit to the market, which is, in my opinion, an institution that needs to be saved.

 In the current economic times, a community, via its leaders, should wholeheartedly support such a nonprofit endeavor as a local farmers' market.

Farmers' markets are a draw for a community. People who shop at a farmers' market will also shop at area businesses and support the local economy.

Other businesses that bemoan the competition of locally-grown produce should look at the big picture. Buying local produce keeps dollars in the community. You won't find bananas, pineapples and citrus at a local market in the mountains of North Carolina. Local growers complement larger businesses.

If your customers want local produce, why not purchase it locally? Save money, improve quality and keep your money at home.

You do not have the contamination issues related to factory farms that ship in produce from thousands of miles away.

Many towns and communities across this state and nation are forming, building and adding farmers' markets because of many reasons, both economic and health-related.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there were just more than 1.000 farmers' markets in the United States in 1994.  There are now more than 6,000 and the numbers are increasing.

While I personally hate to see the Watauga market leave the current location, I do understand the hardship that such an expensive lease agreement can cause.

The loss of this vibrant market would be a huge blow to the community at large.  The growers are your friends and neighbors. You know them and you know where your produce comes from.

Where else can you go to find such a large variety and amount of food, flowers and crafts from your very own community?

Please support your local farmers by encouraging your representatives to work with the market, not against it.


Hugh Martin
Biscoe