Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
Thanksgiving is coming up soon, and it’s a good time to remind folks that farmers markets across the state are still open.
The four state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax (near Greensboro) and Raleigh are open all year, and many farmers markets operated by counties, cities and towns are still open, too. When you think about the fact that there are more than 200 farmers markets in North Carolina, there are many options for buying local late into the fall. Commissioner Troxler says that, no matter where you live, you should be able to find a local farmers market in your area.
There are a couple of reasons why markets are able to stay open in the fall. North Carolina farmers grow a diversity of crops, including several – such as apples, sweet potatoes and collard greens – that would be welcome at any Thanksgiving dinner. Also, the range of climates across the state – along with the growing use of greenhouses – allows for extended growing seasons for several crops.
To find a farmers market in your area, use the department’s N.C. Farm Fresh directory. The guide has information on product availability, location and hours of operation for farmers markets, pick-your-own farms and roadside stands across the state. You can search listings by county and commodity. The directory is available here.
Click on the audio player below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda discuss farmers markets in North Carolina and the wide variety of commodities you can find there.
[Audio:http://info.ncagr.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Troxler_11-19.mp3|titles=Today’s Topic for Nov. 19]
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