Technically, a “farmers market” is defined as “a public and recurring assembly of farmers or their representatives selling the food that they produced directly to consumers,” but what do these two words really mean – to our vendors, to their patrons, to the community?
To start, farmers markets preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland by providing one of the only low-barrier entry points for beginning farmers. This allows them to start small, test the market, and grow their businesses, which in turn stimulates local economies. Direct marketing farmers also experience lower rates of farm business failure or bankruptcy than growers who sell exclusively wholesale.
For patrons, farmers markets increase access to fresh, nutritious food, and with this increased access comes a healthier community. They also offer a chance for vendors to educate their shoppers. Three in five farmers selling at markets discuss nutrition and how to prepare the foods, and four out of five farmers selling at markets discuss farming practices with their customers. According to a study conducted by the American Farm Bureau, 72% of consumers know “nothing” or “very little” about farming or ranching. Farmers markets serve as an invaluable educational site, as well as a rare bridge between urban and rural communities.
The Dallas Farmers Market staff keep all of these facts in mind as we dedicate ourselves to ensuring your experience with us is always fresh, seasonal, and supporting local agriculture. Early in the season, we conduct farm visits consisting of a farm tour, a walkthrough of growing and production practices, and confirmation that our farmers are growing the best produce possible for DFM customers. We also visit our ranchers, check out our honey farmers’ hives, and sometimes even have a hydroponic farmer with indoor grow houses. While DFM does allow produce resale from within 400 miles of Dallas, all of our farmers are growing or producing something they’re selling, and they’re all Texas farmers. And we would have it no other way.
To get a hands-on experience of what we mean, check out the 2 O’clock Tasting in The Shed this Saturday, January 11th, from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. featuring: Southern Greens!
Have a taste at 2 p.m., then grab the ingredients, and become a part of the Dallas Farmers Market experience of cultivating a healthier lifestyle.
