Farmer's Markets

In Washington state we have an organization called the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance (NFMA.) This is a community-based organization developed in order to supply the city with produce based on the growing popularity and public support of the neighborhood Farmers Markets in Seattle. The NFMA hopes to support Washington’s small farms and farming families. Farmer's markets enable farms and their farming families to have direct sale to the population. NFMA hopes to educate people on where their food is from and what they are eating.

The NFMA is a non-profit corporation. There is a board of directors, where there are elven people, 4 of which are farmers who sell their produce at the markets. The other members are also highly involved with the program.

In Washington state there are seven local markets "producer-only" markets. This means that there are no crafts, flea markets or wholesalers. The farm produce includes fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits, herbs, nuts, dairy products eggs, honey, poultry, mushrooms, fish, meat, pickled vegetables, ciders, pasta, bread and other baked goods. Everything must be grown and produced in Washington.

They even give you suggestion on what to eat locally each month.

December:

apples, pears, plums, lettuces, greens, fresh herbs, Brussels Sprouts, Jerusalem artichokes, beets, broccoli, Romanesco Broccoli, beans (dried: Cannolini, Black Turtle, Peas), Carrots, Garlic: Elephant and Spanish Roja, shallots, scallion, Turnips, Rutabagas, Parsnips, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Fava Beans, Winter Squash, Pumpkin Squash, potatoes, Chantrelles.

To find a farmer's market near you go to http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/farms/farmers_markets.htm
--Nina Miller