Over the past decade, the number of Farmer’s Markets have nearly doubled in number across the country. According to Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma, “farmer’s markets have blossomed in recent years, their numbers increasing from 1,755 a decade ago to 3,137 at last count.” Food scares, an increased interest in locally grown food (locavores), consumer desires to decrease their “food miles”, and overall health concerns have all played a role in this increase. In addition to farmer’s markets, CSAs (community supported agriculture) has also put consumers directly in touch with the people that grow their food. CSAs enable consumers to receive their produce directly from farmers. Each week participants in the program get a box of in season fruits and vegetables.

To find a farmer’s market near you, check out Local Harvest. The site also includes information on connecting with CSAs and local farmers. In addition, a number of restaurants have developed menus that reflect seasonal changes in available produce. Founding Farmers’ Restaurant, mentioned on 2nd Green Revolution earlier this year, represents the ultimate combination of restaurants and farmers working together on food choices. From their website:

[W]e believe that everyone benefits by knowing more about the sources of the food they eat. We understand the journey of our products from seed to harvest, and from Farm-to-Table. Owned by a collective of American family farmers, we promote the products and services of family farms, ranches, and fisheries. We celebrate and share the long-standing connection between farmers – the first to lead the “green” movement – and their historic stewardship of natural resources.

Michael Pollan’s latest book, In Defense of Foods – and The Omnivore’s Dilemma – have included a wealth of information on both Farmer’s Markets and CSAs. 2nd Green Revolution will post a review of Pollan’s most recent work, In Defense of Foods, later this week. In addition to food, a number of companies focused on the second green revolution have taken up booths representing their companies at the local farmer’s markets. Among those are Andersen Windows and numerous photovoltaic installers. Farmer’s markets in Colorado and California have a number of solar panel purveyors (including one mentioned in a previous post).

- Eric Wilson

[image source: Founding Farmers]