Importance of Supporting Local Farmers In Colorado Farmers’ Markets
April 21st marked the return of Colorado’s outdoor Spring farmers’ markets, with Drake Road Farmers’ Market opening weekend. Here, farmers’ markets are about much more than just showcasing organic produce; they are places where people gather and meet, enjoy live music, learn about the local agriculture, and taste some of Colorado’s best flavors.
There is a plethora of benefits associated with supporting local farmers’ markets, among which we want to highlight the strengthening of the local community, the fact that they drive local business growth, and improve the overall local economy. But that’s not all. Here are some of the benefits of eating local foods.
The Flavor
Locally grown produce is full of flavor and since these are seasonal products, they tend to be fresh, picked at their peak of ripeness just a few hours before they are sold to you, very much the opposite of local retail stores, where produce is picked even before it’s ripe to be distributed across states and cities.
Know Where your Food Comes From
When you buy food from a local farmer, you can ask questions about where the produce comes from, what it’s growth process is like, what its nutrients are, etc. This gives you certainty that the food you are eating is good for and will nourish your body. An additional benefit of this is that by speaking with the local farmers and understanding the way they grow and produce food means that you indirectly promote the humane treatment of animals.
Impulse the Local Economy
By purchasing local foods, you are contributing to the local economy, as money spent with local farmers stays close to home and is reinvested in the local business community. Purchasing from them also means that farmers have an increased chance of being successful in an increasingly global, competitive world, as they have direct contact with the consumer, instead of relying in an intermediary.
Connect with your Community
Farmers’ markets are a great way to connect with your local community and meet new people. Farmers’ markets are sort of a community hub, where people gather to support one another, learn about local businesses, and spend some quality family time.
By now, farmers’ markets across Colorado are ready to welcome you, give you a taste of the local agriculture, and inspire you to try new recipes and flavors to share with your family, friends, or coworkers.
