Imagine a crisp Spring morning and getting up early to go to the local farmers market. Imagine the colorful  and sweet aroma of all the produce. The busy activity of the farmers getting their stalls ready to receive the morning shoppers. Can you see the  freshly cut  flowers that stand tall in cans of water? Oh how beautiful and full of life are the markets . The colorful array of fruits and vegetables line the market place. Don't forget the olive oil and other  herbs that are freshly cut just for today's market. And don't forget the many variety of breads and pastries that sit quietly encouraging us to come over and sample them. How refreshing  are the farmers. They bring life to all who experience them.

There is a method to using and enjoying farmers markets. First buy from certified farmers markets. They represent the real farmers, the ones who grow and pick their own produce. They are the ones who packed their produce while we were asleep and made sure we received them fresh from the earth and ready for us to take them home.

The produce was picked a few hours before arriving at the markets.  Sometimes the best tasting produce is cosmetically challenged. That means they are not filled with preservatives that make them flawless in color or shape. They are from the field to you. Picked by people who know what naturally grown foods look like when they come out of the garden. 

Take a large shopping bag, or cart or baby stroller with you. They will hold the many bags of food you will purchase. They will also save your back. Keeping your hands free allows you to keep track of your keys, wallet or purse. It may be convenient to wear a fanny pack that holds enough small bills and coins to make your purchase. The farmers don't have change for large bills and there is not normally an ATM in the vicinity.

Be kind to the farmers at the stalls, They are not sales people but they want to serve you as best they can. A pleasant smile exchanged between the farmer and you makes the trip more enjoyable. You could even come home with a recipe given to you from the farmer.

Now we have done our farmers market shopping. What a great experience for all the family members that went with you to the market. Now imagine no farmers market in your area or within driving distance. Imagine missing the visual and other sensory excitement you experience at the farmers market. Now see them gone. That is what will happen if we do not  support our farmers in the way they need us to support them.

Farmers  need our support in many ways. For one thing they need healthy farm land to grow their crops. We can to help them obtain the type lobbyists and political leaders that will ensure they have healthy farm land to farm. We will benefit by having access to quality farmers markets that grow their own local produce.

We can play an active role by going on the internet and educating ourselves about farmers and their plight. Then support their farm bureaus with donations and action. That ensures our being able to go to the farmers market and buying the freshest and tastiest food we can buy.