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AGRICULTURE
NORTH COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL
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SPRING 2016
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sdnedc.org
BY LindseY BaLL
O
n any given day in San Diego County, a
farmers market is up and running, provid-
ing farm-fresh produce, among other
things, to visitors and residents alike.
One of the benefits of living in the area is the avail-
ability of such markets and the fresh produce and other
foods they provide.
"It's a community gathering place. It's a specific day
and time when you know you're going to be able to go
out and walk around and rub shoulders with people
who live in your community, who live next to the mar-
ket," said Casey Anderson, membership and projects
manager at the San Diego County Farm Bureau.
"You're going to find more variety, and typically, it's
going to be very fresh. It's going to be almost guaran-
teed to be vine-ripened or harvested within days or
hours of arriving at the market."
Farmers markets started popping up in California
following legislation in the late 1970s that relaxed laws
on packaging and labeling. However, markets locally
found their footing almost a decade ago, when the
number countywide jumped from 20 to 52. Anderson
said San Diego County currently has 46 weekly farmers
markets.
These markets have benefits not just for consumers,
but also for farmers and local businesses.
GIFTS FROM THE GARDEN
n FARMERS MARKETS PROVIDE FRESH FOOD AND PRODUCE – AND A BOOST TO LOCAL BUSINESSES
Nearly 50 farmers
markets take place
every week in cities
throughout San
Diego County.
fi
PHOTOS COURTESY THE FARM BUREAU
