Farm Beat: Managers report growth at farmers markets

Farmers markets across the country report growing interest in this way of getting fruits, vegetables and other fare to consumers.

A survey of almost 1,400 market managers found that 64 percent had increased traffic in 2014, the federal Agricultural Marketing Service reported this week. Even more of them – 85 percent – want to add vendors.

To see the appeal, head Thursday or Saturday mornings to the Modesto Certified Farmers Market on 16th Street, which was part of the first wave of such venues in the 1970s. Or try the Turlock market – Saturday mornings on East Main Street– or any of the many others in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and Tuolumne County.

“The survey will help market managers continue to succeed by giving them a better understanding of the local foods marketplace,” agency Administrator Anne Alonzo said in announcing the results. They came out during National Farmers Market Week, which ends Saturday.

Other pickings from the survey:

▪ 81 percent of the markets educate patrons about healthy eating through recipe cards, cooking demonstrations and other means.

▪ About three-quarters have at least one vendor accepting federal nutrition assistance as payment.

▪ 66 percent have at least one organic vendor.

ELSEWHERE ON THE FARM BEAT: The 54th annual Harvest Luncheon, which raises scholarship money for Modesto Junior College agriculture students, will be Sept. 11 at Graceada Park.

The Modesto Chamber of Commerce will put on the luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. As usual, it will feature Mape’s Ranch tri-tip and other local food.

The speaker will be Mark Jansen, president and CEO at Blue Diamond Growers. The Sacramento-based cooperative is the largest player in the state’s almond industry and has processing plants in Salida and Turlock.

The park is at Needham Street and Sycamore Avenue. The tickets – $25 general admission, $10 for seniors and children – can be ordered at www.modchamber.org or 209-577-5757.

▪ The Merced County Local Food Promotion Project will meet Aug. 18 to learn about similar efforts in the San Joaquin Valley.

Farmers will hear from groups such as Stanislaus Grown, Ag Link and Food Commons Fresno about how to market their products in the region.

The meeting will be from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and include a $10 dinner. It will be held at the Merced County Farm Bureau, 646 S. Highway 59, Merced. For reservations and more information, contact Kara Lang at kara.e.lang@gmail.com or 559-739-8985.

This story was originally published August 7, 2015 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Farm Beat: Managers report growth at farmers markets."