Farmers' Markets support sustainable food systems

Farmers markets support a sustainable food system by offering regionally-grown produce. Small family farms stay in business; land is protected from development, and consumers receive fresh food that does not travel far. Many markets sell more than just fruits and vegetables, and include meats, wines, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wool and hand-crafted items. These markets provide a direct link between the farmer and consumer, benefiting both.

An important part of buying local is making an effort to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season in your area. Although today's global marketplace allows us to buy foods grown virtually anywhere in the world all year round, these options are not the most sustainable.

By purchasing local foods in-season, you eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods thousands of miles, your food dollar goes directly to the farmer, and your family will be able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Buying seasonal produce also provides an exciting opportunity to try new foods and to experiment with seasonal recipes. And it simply tastes better!

Sustainable Agricultural practices involve a variety of approaches. Several general principles apply:

-Selection of plants that are suited to the site and general conditions on the farm.

-Crop rotation to reduce weeds, disease, insect and other pest problems. This method also provides other sources of soil nitrogen, reduces soil erosion and reduces the risk of water contamination by chemicals.
 

-Diversification of crops (including livestock) enhance the biological stability of the farm.

-Pest controls that are not harmful to nature, farmers, their neighbors or consumers. The use of Integrated Pest Management techniques that reduce the need for pesticides by using practices such as the timing of planting, the use of resistant cultivars, scouting, and biological pest controls.

-Management of the soil to enhance and protect soil quality. Included in this are increased mechanical/biological weed control, more soil and water conservation, and the use of animal and green manures.

-Efficient and humane use of natural or synthetic inputs that poses no significant hazard to man, animals or the environment.

-Consideration of farmers’ goal and lifestyle choices.

Many in the agricultural community have adopted the sense of urgency and direction pointed to by the sustainable agriculture concept. Sustainability has become an integral component of many government, commercial, and non-profit agriculture research efforts, and it is beginning to be woven into agricultural policy. Increasing numbers of farmers and ranchers have started on their own road to sustainability, incorporating new and innovative approaches.

The discussion of the sustainable agriculture concept will and should continue. As understanding broadens, new questions will be asked and the answers will continue to come. As more and more parties join in the on-going dialog of sustainable agriculture only a continued effort put on the real issues and defining goals will keep sustainable agriculture from becoming so all encompassing as to become meaningless.

For great information about maintaining a sustainable lifestyle please visit Sustainable Table. If you care where your food comes from and eat out frequently they have a printable card you can give to your local restaurant and let them know you care where they get their ingredients.

Also visit PCFMA's online education tools for terrific  links to sustainable farming, especially the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and the Ecological Farming Association.