6-12 IAN Farmers Markets'

 Idaho Farmers Markets Kick-Off 2013 Season

Spring has sprung and the 2013 farmers market season is officially underway throughout Idaho. Baskets of colorful fruits and vegetables, farm fresh eggs and meat, delicious baked goods, fresh cut flowers and much more can be found decorating the aisles of Idaho’s farmers markets.  

Farmers markets are popular across Idaho as consumer interest in locally grown produce continues to rise. Kim Polzin, Trade Specialist at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture “This year 51 markets are operating in all corners of the state and many are open multiple days per week. Farmers markets play an important role in connecting communities with the producers who nurture the land to supply superior food and agricultural products 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.”

 Every year the Idaho State Department of Agriculture produces a Guide to Idaho Farmers Markets.  The guide provides the dates, times, locations and points of contact for the markets.  It can be accessed online at www.agri.idaho.gov. Depending on the growing season in each area, markets will run through September or October — some even open through the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons.