August 8, 2008
Dear Fellow Nebraskans:
August 3rd to the 9th is National Farmers Market Week. I wanted to highlight the expanded options for Nebraskans interested in buying produce and other foods grown here in our state.
Sweet corn, tomatoes and green beans are popular items at farmers markets and roadside stands across our state. Today there are more options for finding these and dozens of other homegrown and homemade food products than just a few years ago.
The number of farmers markets in Nebraska total 63 this year, compared to 39 in 2000. During the past eight years, the number of produce stands has increased six-fold to 484 stands according to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
One of those relatively new farmers market is the Centennial Mall Garden Market, held outside the Nebraska State Office Building in downtown Lincoln. Sponsored by the Nebraska Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, the market is open Wednesday afternoons from July through September.
It’s one of several farmers markets in the Lincoln and Omaha area featuring local vendors selling fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. These markets can also be found in communities of all sizes in all parts of our state from late spring into the fall.
If you visit one of these markets, you may notice signs featuring the ‘Nebraska Our Best to You’ logo. Launched in 2006 by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, the promotion helps consumers identify fruits and vegetables grown right here in Nebraska. Looking for this logo is one way to ensure you're getting fresh produce grown locally by Nebraska’s farmers and gardeners.
Farmers markets help connect rural producers with residents of cities and towns, and provide an opportunity to sell the fresh, quality produce grown in Nebraska. They are an increasingly popular destination for travelers and other visitors interested in experiencing rural life and outdoor adventures.
While the number of local markets has grown, so have opportunities for those interested in picking their own fruits and vegetables from local farms. The nearly 30 ‘U-Pick’ operations in Nebraska, along with produce stands and farmers markets, provide opportunities for each of us to help support the growers who are part of our state’s growing agri-tourism industry.
The Department of Agriculture’s Guide to Nebraska Fresh Produce lists farmers markets, roadside stands and U-pick operations from border to border. It is available online at http://www.agr.ne.gov and copies are available by calling toll-free to (800) 422-6692.
August is a great time to see some of what Nebraska’s largest and most diverse industry has to offer. Whether it’s your local farmers market, your county fair or the upcoming Nebraska State Fair, each event provides the opportunity to see something new, find fresh foods grown by our own producers, and support Nebraska agriculture. Wherever you live, I hope you’ll take time to scout out a new experience in your part of our great state.
