Released March 20, 2009
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Foodies and locavores are gearing up for their favorite sport: shopping their local farmers' markets.
Many of the state's 59 farmers markets will open in April.
"There are farmers markets now in 48 of Arkansas' 75 counties," said Ron Rainey, extension economist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. "And some counties - Arkansas, Benton, Carroll, Miller, Pulaski and Washington - have more than one market."
The farmers' markets have proven popular among both growers and shoppers.
"Fresh, locally grown food is certainly the primary reason for shopping at the farmers' market, but that's just a start," said Tim Ellison, spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. "The flowers, the people … the whole atmosphere of the market is such a positive, uplifting experience that revitalizes the spirit as much as the body."
"And thanks to that short drive, it helps us all be more green by reducing the food's carbon footprint," he said.
Shoppers who really want locally grown produce need only look for the Arkansas Grown logo. Launched in 2008, Arkansas Grown is seen in Wal-Marts throughout Arkansas and more farmers' market sellers are joining the program as well.
"Arkansas Grown is an assurance that the produce, meat or other product you're buying was grown in Arkansas or made from ingredients grown in Arkansas," Ellison said. "Only products authenticated by the Arkansas Agriculture Department may carry the Arkansas Grown logo."
Farmers' markets have also proven important to Arkansas Agritourism. In Little Rock, the River Market became an anchor for redevelopment for an area that once only housed decaying warehouses.
"Because many farmers markets have a mix of locally grown or processed foods and crafts, they tend to attract tourists as well who are looking for things to purchase that are unique to the area they are visiting," said Stacey McCullough, extension instructor for economic and community development for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. "From a local economic perspective, this means outside dollars coming into the community.
And "to the extent that a local farmers market gives residents access to products they would normally purchase outside the community or county, they plug economic leaks by keeping spending local rather than having those dollars spent elsewhere," she said. "This increases the local tax base which helps provide local government services and creates income for local people."
If you're looking for the freshest ingredients for your big culinary project, here is a list of farmers' markets around the state:
For more information about Arkansas farmer's markets visit http://www.Naturallyarkansas.org, http://www.uaex.edu or http://www.aragriculture.org/aai.
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http://www.uaex.edu/news/march2009/0320garden_sanitation.htm
Contacts: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu
