20th
It’s happening
From the STrib,
The popularity of buying locally has led to a statewide explosion of farmers markets.
Many of today’s growers are selling at more markets than in the past because demand for fresh local food is exploding in Minnesota. In just five years, the number of farmers markets statewide has nearly tripled to about 130, including more than 50 in the metro area. At least two dozen suburbs have one or more, and the big markets of Minneapolis and St. Paul have spawned neighborhood mini-markets at 12 locations. This year alone, new markets opened in Woodbury, Minnetonka, New Hope, Inver Grove Heights, Savage and South St. Paul.
Noting a fast upswing in farmers markets nationwide — from 1,755 to 4,685 over 14 years — the U.S. Department of Agriculture ranks the Twin Cities with Chicago, Atlanta and Madison, Wis., as the nation’s metro hot spots.
In Minnesota, the demand for local foods is so strong that 80 percent of the nearly 300 growers who attended the annual Minnesota Fruit and Vegetable Growers conference this year said they now are selling directly to consumers. That’s the opposite of 20 years ago, when most of them sold to wholesalers and stores. (Link)
Sweeeeeeet.
