Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
It’s high time people visited farmers markets across North Carolina. The state is fortunate to have more than 240 farmers markets of all sizes — everything from the four regional markets the NCDA&CS operates in Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh, to community markets and small tailgate markets.
There’s so much available this time of year, including blueberries, peaches, tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, squash, sweet corn, and a variety of greens. In fact, North Carolina farmers produce more than 125,000 acres of fruits and vegetables each year.
In addition to the freshest seasonal produce grown in North Carolina, farmers markets also have meats, cheeses and other ag products. And there’s another bonus of buying at farmers markets: You can talk to the farmer who grew the food.
A visit to a farmers market is also a good family outing. It’s a chance for kids to learn a little about where food comes from. They can also see the wide variety of produce that farmers grow.
Farmers markets are a true win-win for both the customer and the farmer. Customers get the freshest products and a good value, and the farmers get to keep more of every dollar they earn.
Visit ncfarmfresh.com to search for a market near you.
Click on the audio player below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda discuss farmers markets.
[Audio:/wp-content/uploads/Troxler_6-30-15.mp3|titles=Today’s Topic for June 30]
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