5-9 IAN Farmer's

c Farmers markets are springing up across Idaho like mushrooms. Spring is here, the growing season is upon us, and Idaho farmers markets are beginning to offer fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, farm fresh eggs and fresh cut flowers to consumers.

Farmers markets are rapidly gaining popularity all across Idaho as consumer interest in locally grown produce continues to rise. Lacey Menasco, trade specialist at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture had this to say about the growth of the locavore movement: “Consumers increasingly want to know where their food comes from; farmers markets provide an excellent opportunity for them to establish a relationship with local farmers,” said. “And with a wide variety of live music, arts and crafts, and ready to eat foods, they are a great place for a fun family outing as well.”

This year Idaho boasts 53 markets across the state, many open multiple days per week.  Depending on the growing season in each area, the markets will be open as early as April and run through September or October. All of that said, I think it is a great disservice to production agriculture if we didn’t point out that America produces the safest food supply in the world, bar none. The locavore movement and getting to know your local farmers is a great concept. It’s even a social event. But we sure don’t want to throw production agriculture under the bus either.