Farmers’ markets don’t necessarily end with the summer; many continue supplying consumers with seasonal products throughout the fall.
In the most recent Census of Agriculture, more than 3,500 farms in Virginia reported selling directly to consumers, in a state with nearly 250 farmers’ markets. In 2015, Virginians spent more than $41 million on fresh, local products.
“Virginia is blessed with a variety of growing conditions and greenhouses, which allow farmers to produce a variety of crops throughout the fall. This, in turn, allows farmers’ markets to offer a wide selection of locally produced foods through Thanksgiving, if not later,” noted Tony Banks, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation.
“Locally grown cole crops, winter squashes, apples, raspberries, nuts, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, meats, cheeses, pickles and preserves are just a few examples of foods that can be found this fall.”
At the Williamsburg Farmers Market, shoppers will find a plentiful supply of apples, pumpkins, a dozen varieties of winter squash, sweet potatoes and more. The market’s manager, Tracy Herner, said the market season was extended in 2014 to meet consumer demand.
“It’s still really market season,” Herner explained. “Right now, the pumpkins are flying off the shelf. It’s a great crop of sweet potatoes this year, and the price is lower than at the grocery store. Apples are always a good seller,” she added.
Source: augustafreepress.com