By Shelby Carroll

Shopping from a local farmers market offers numerous advantages, contributing to a more sustainable, healthy and community-focused lifestyle. Here are several reasons why you should consider supporting your local farmers market:

Fresh and seasonal produce:

Local farmers markets provide access to fresh, seasonal produce. Unlike supermarkets that often transport goods over long distances, farmers markets offer fruits, vegetables and other products that are harvested at their peak, ensuring optimal flavor and nutritional value.

Supporting local farmers:

By shopping at a local farmers market, you directly support local farmers and their families. This contributes to the economic well-being of your community, helping to sustain small-scale agriculture and fostering a sense of interconnectedness.

Promoting sustainable agriculture:

Many local farmers prioritize sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. Shopping at farmers markets allows you to engage with producers who employ methods such as organic farming, reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and promoting soil health.

Community engagement:

Farmers markets serve as vibrant community hubs, fostering connections between consumers and local producers. You have the opportunity to interact directly with the people who grow your food, gaining insights into their farming practices and building a sense of community.

Preserving farmland and biodiversity:

Supporting local agriculture helps maintain open spaces and preserves farmland, preventing urban sprawl. Additionally, small-scale, diverse farming practices promoted by local farmers contribute to biodiversity conservation.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor for the Salisbury Farmers Market, an interest meeting will be held on Jan. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at the Rowan County Cooperative Extension Building located at 2727 Old Concord Road in Salisbury. At this meeting, we will be discussing the application process and the calendar for the upcoming year. Please email Shelby Carroll at shelby_carroll@ncsu.edu for any questions.

Shelby Carroll is agriculture and natural resources agent with Rowan County Cooperative Extension.