Seattle Press on Line - Farmers Markets Busting Out All Over Town

Farmers Markets Busting Out All Over Town

By Zachary D. Lyons

May flowers at the Ballard Farmers' Market: Che Chang of Pa Garden in Monroe sells the first flowers of spring to Steve and Joan Damm of Ballard. Zachary D. Lyons photo.

May 09, 2002 -- Tired of eating limp produce from California, if you are lucky? Wondering what the definition of "organic" is in Chile? Sick of paying high food prices, when you know darn well that the farmer is seeing little of that action? Then never fear: farmers market season is here!

Seattle will be blessed with six farmers markets this year. Ballard Farmers Market, which opened May 5, is the first, with the University District, Columbia City and West Seattle Farmers Markets opening on Saturday, May 25, Wednesday, May 29 and Sunday, June 2, respectively. Pike Place Market's Organic Wednesdays and Summer Sundays program, where farmers set up in the street at the Market, begins June 16, and Lake City Farmers Market--Seattle's newest market--opens Thursday, June 20.

Even more of the markets will be featuring meat, seafood and poultry raised or caught by the vendor this season--this in addition to all the fresh local fruits and vegetables offered directly to you by the farmer. Now you will find plant starts, as well as early greens and root crops. Then come back every week to see what new crops the markets have to offer from the bounty that is Washington.

Farmers market shoppers gain access to produce often harvested within 24 hours of purchase, while meeting and financially supporting the very people who grew their food. Indeed, farmers markets are proving to be a much more profitable form of marketing for farmers, many of whom have been losing money selling their crops through conventional corporate distribution channels.

Meet your local farmers. Get the freshest, tastiest produce anywhere. Watch the seasons change in your food. Support your local economy. And help control urban sprawl by helping keep farmers on their land.

For a current list of farmers markets through Washington, go to www.wafarmersmarkets.com, or call (206) 706-1932.

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Hans Schlunegger	Nov 16, 2003	Kerrville, Texas	Hotel owner
At the Pike Place Market in Seattle is a meat purveyor (close to the entrance). It used to be called Don's meat market, or something like this. Is it still there? Does anyone know the original owner (of 30 years ago)? The information is vital for my new book. I’d appreciate any information.