Spring is upon us and that means the local farmer’s markets are preparing for their annual seasonal debut. Fresh produce and goods will soon be purchased by those who faithfully choose to shop direct. But how do we know these products are really supporting local farmers?
People shop at farmers’ markets for various reasons. For some, it’s the atmosphere and experience of being at a market. Others shop at farmers’ markets because they feel they are benefitting their local economy. But for many, it’s the assumption that the goods they are purchasing are fresh and homegrown.
Rosalind May is the Executive Director of the Colorado Farmers Market Association. Their mission, May explained, is “to support and promote Colorado farmer’s markets and direct marketing of Colorado agricultural products.”
Ways to Ensure You’re Buying Direct at the Farmers Market
Although there are no state standard regulations or a specific license for farmers’ markets in Colorado, May said all markets should be working closely with local health departments. May said there are ways to ensure your purchases are being sold directly from the farmer.
One way to ensure a direct purchase, May said, is to research the specific farmers’ market you’re going to. Many market managers, she explained, are strict and will visit the farms of potential vendors. “If a market you’re shopping advertises that they are producer sales only, you can be pretty confident what you’re buying is coming direct,” she said.
Even more important, May said, is to talk to the vendor at the market. “Ask questions about the farm and how the product is produced,” she suggested. “Some farmers co-op and sell products for one another but should still be able to answer your questions.”
Frank Schmidt has been owner and operator of Old Colorado City Farmers Market since its debut over 40 years ago. This is the longest-running market in Colorado Springs and many of the vendors, he said, have been with him for decades and some from the start. Schmidt is also the President of Pikes Peak Farmers Market, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting farming.
“We offer a true farmers market with roughly 60 vendors who only sell farmed and baked goods,” Schmidt said. “Our goal is to give farmers the opportunity to sell directly to the customers and for people to be able to talk to the farmers. The farmers are all at the market. We encourage people to talk to them and ask them about what they’re selling.”
At 88 years old, Schmidt is at the market every Saturday.
Making a Difference Through Farmers Markets
In 2019, Theda Stone was looking at the Colorado Springs Black Forest Community Facebook page. She responded to a post that she would like to see a true farmers’ market come to the community. That remark led to what is now known as the Backyard Markets in the Black Forest.
“It was an outlet that was needed in our community for our growers and farmers who were hurting because of COVID,” Stone explained. “It’s designed like a lot of the markets I was used to while living on the East Coast. Everything sold is fresh and there’s a relationship with the people you are buying from. We got a huge outpour of support from the community.”
The market started in 2019 with 10 vendors and currently has 65 vendor slots filled for this season with over 100 applications submitted.
“We are a true farmers market in the forest,” Stone said. “Each vendor makes, bakes, or grows the items they are selling. We are the largest producers only market in the Colorado Springs area.”
The market makes shopping an event for the entire family. Live music, chefs on hand to give cooking advice, the education-based kids’ corner, and the young entrepreneur program round out the day’s events. Stone said they pride themselves on being Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Double Up Food Bucks approved and are the highest-grossing market in Colorado Springs for SNAP benefits.
A second location, called Ridgeline, was started last year and is a smaller market with roughly 30 vendors. It features live music in a fun and welcoming environment and fresh produce and food items purchased direct.
“This has become my passion,” Stone explained. “Providing wholesome products for people to purchase and bringing the community together. The businesses and people who shop have become my friends.”
Tips for Shopping a Farmers Market
An article titled “ Farmers Market Guide: Top Benefits and Shopping Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Visit” states, “every time you shop at a farmer’s market, you benefit the local community. Everyone in that community benefits, creating more opportunity for growth such as increasing jobs.”
Tips for shopping at a farmers market include:
- Bring cash, preferably smaller bills.
- Talk to the farmers – they know their products the best and should be able to answer all your questions.
- Get to the market first thing in the morning to avoid the crowd and have access to more inventory.
- Ask for a free sample. This is a great way to try before making a purchase.
- Bring your own bags and containers.
- Shop around for deals. Prices and quality can vary from vendor to vendor.
- Above all, savor the experience.
For an extensive list of Colorado Springs Farmers Markets, visit www.visitcos.com/blog/farmers-markets-in-colorado-springs.
