Comments on: Farmers Markets

By: Marvin

Marvin — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:30:06 +0000

Gotta agree with you love Farmers Markets. Stop when ever we get one in town. And must say makes some of the best meals and some very nice prices compaired to stores and there “fresh” products.

By: Bob Difley

Bob Difley — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:19:16 +0000

Gerry – The labeling of what you buy is one of the developing problems with so many jumping on the green bandwagon. In most cases, organic is better than locally grown, if it is “Certified” organic by the government, including roadside stands, that will be quick to put up their Certified Organic sign. But buying organic in a supermarket could mean that the organic produce comes from Mexico or Chile–which are also regulated by the government–while the roadside stand could come from 50 yards away in the farmer’s field. However, a few questions can help make your decision. Ask the person selling the fruit or produce about their farming practices. They may be in the process of getting their organic certification, which I believe takes three years of following organic stipulations. In that case, local–though not officially organic yet–is the logical choice. In some other cases, the farmer may not like dealing with the government (can you blame him/her) and will in most cases be honest about his farming practices, such as whether he uses chemical pesticides. He may practice organic farming though without the certification. Weigh the situation, and buy local, organic whenever possible. The resultant reduction in pesticide use, food transportation costs (and CO2 production), and other reasons make orgainc more healthy, flavorful, and better for Mother Earth. Thanks for the comments.

By: Bob Difley

Bob Difley — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:09:25 +0000

Leonora – You might want to include “U-Pick Orchards” to that bumper sticker, also. If you’ve never done it, it’s kind of like getting back to one’s earthy roots as a farmer, when most of the country’s population were farmers. It’s especially fun if you have a family group, kids love picking from living trees and plants. You can find U-Pick apple orchards just about everywhere, as well as U-Pick berries (blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.). You will also find varieties, especially apples, that you will never find in grocery stores. And when you pick fruits and vegetables right off the plant, you know how fresh they are.

By: Gerald D Schutz

Gerald D Schutz — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:01:19 +0000

We patronize roadside fruit & veggie markets whenever possible, and are generally pleased with them. We are presently in the Rio Grande Valley, and regularly go to the DonWes fruit market on Saturday or Sunday. I suspect a lot of the produce comes our of Mexico, but it is freshly picked, delicious and reasonabley priced. It’’s probably nor, “Organicly grown”, but you pretty much have to take someones word for that anyway if you are going to patronize road side stands. I’m having a little problem justifying in my mind that it’s that big of a deal, anyway. Happy & safe RVing. Gerry

By: Leonora

Leonora — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 22:05:17 +0000

Besides the sign that says stops are road stands, I want to put a sign on the back of my rig that says stops at swap meets, garage sales, auctions, historic sites, scenic views, etc. Think I will add the road side stands – sounds like a healthy idea