The flavor and beauty of sustainable food systems come alive at farmers’ markets throughout the state. Farmers markets give urban citizens a central location to buy the freshest, local, seasonal produce available straight from the producer. Shoppers can sample the perfect peach in summer and the sweetest satsuma mandarin in winter. They can ask the farmer how to roast a rutabaga or pair wine with artisanal goat cheese. Meanwhile, the farmer increases his share of the food dollar by directly marketing to consumers, helping the economic viability of the farm economy. Farmers markets are one of the easiest ways to connect urban populations to their food and rural food producers with interested customers.

Farmers Market Map
From the USDA. Nationwide listing of farmers markets and links to more info to help consumers “buy local.”
www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm

California Certified Farmer Markets
http://www.cafarmersmarkets.com/

Another great way to support your local, sustainable farmers is to join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Many farmers offer this subscription food delivery service to local urban areas. As a CSA member, you purchase a percentage of the farm’s harvest for a season and receive a box overflowing with seasonal fruits and vegetables at regular intervals.

CSAs that deliver to your community
www.caff.org/programs/local_food.shtml