From field to fork
Why supporting your local farmers’ market could give you a boost, too
ILLUSTRATION: ALI CAMPBELL
With the smell of coffee and fresh bread floating in the air, stalls bursting with colourful vegetables and tantalising cheeses, and the buzz of friendly chatter, farmers’ markets are a feast for the senses. They also provide an opportunity to talk to the people responsible for growing or raising your food, support your local economy and pick up fresh seasonal produce – all at the same time. But that’s just the starting point. There are many other benefits to be gained from appreciating that field-to-fork link.
From the traditional food markets of French villages to inner-city markets in London or New York, the number of farmers’ markets worldwide is thought to be increasing year on year. In America, there are nearly 9,000 markets registered with the USDA Farmers Market directory, Australia has about 200 across all states, and in the UK, there were more than 600 at the last count in 2018. Wherever you live, one might turn out to be more accessible than you think.