Archive for July, 2009

Vote Now for “America’s Most Favorite Farmers Market”

The American Farmland Trust is hosting a national contest to recognize the “most favorite” farmers markets in America – Small – Medium and Large.  If you are are a supporter of your local market and believe they deserve this recognition I encourage you to VOTE NOW. The deadline for voting is midnight August 8th.

Summer is the time when we all enjoy the local harvest and support our family farms.  The American Farmland Trust is an organization that supports and wants to sustain farming in the United States. I encourage you to go to their website (whether you want to vote or not) to learn about their mission and their vision.

You can support local farmers by joing the AFT and becoming a member. When I became a member there was a bonus gift of a reusable shopping bag with the words – No Farms No Food. I use this bag proudly as I check out at my local supermarket and bag my own groceries and often get a second glance at my bag.

Yes, I’m a farmer’s daughter and proud of it! If you want to support your local farmers market VOTE NOW and give them the recognition that they deserve.

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Pick Your Own Farms – Now Accepting Customers

Across North America many family farms are now open to sell their fruits and vegetables and many also welcome folks to come pick their own. Often, as farmers, we don’t recognize how very special this outdoor, picking experience can be for our customers until we hear them tell us.

I spent some time last week at our family peach orchard talking with a few of our pick your own  customers.  My interns were along with me and we captured some of these conversations on video. We have posted the video on YOU TUBE and welcome you to take a look and give us some feedback.

Now is certainly the time for everyone to come and visit local family farms and farmers’ markets to buy our local, farm fresh products. If you haven’t had a pick your own experience or don’t know where to find these farms, just visit us at Rural Bounty to locate the best of North American agritourism destinations.

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Consumers Are Purchasing More Vegetables Direct From Grower

The good news is that consumers are buying more of their produce direct from the grower according to the recent report from the USDA Economic Research Service. The 2007 Census of Agriculture has been tabulated and reports that 26% of farms growing vegetables and melons are selling their product direct to the consumer.

The buying direct news isn’t new.  However, the direct vegetable sales of $335 million in 2007 represent money going directly to farmers and not to the middleman. This allows the farmer to receive a fair return for his product and not having his food travel hundreds of miles before it is eaten.

The number for direct sales is actually 36% in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region of the U.S. The growth of farmers markets, on farm sales, farm stands and community supported agriculture (CSAs) and online sales account for this big surge in spending. Many of these farms not only sell what they grow directly to the consumer but they are also part of the growing farm industry called “agritourism.”

The combination of selling direct to the consumer and providing unique on farm experiences is helping the small family farm succeed today. Many of these farms can be found online at www.ruralbounty.com  Support your local farmers – buy direct and shake the hand that feeds you!

If you buy from a local farmer, please share your experience here. Thank you.

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New Agritourism Lingo – Let Go Glamping!

Recently, I learned about a new travel trend on the Today Show called “glamping.” In short, it’s glamorous camping.  Taking your family or special someone to a luxurious camp, yurt or covered wagon on vacation has now become popular. You can choose the pricey version for up to $2,850 per night or find other locations that might better fit your budget. There is even a Go Glamping website or Glamping Girl site that shows you a lot of vacation choices.

However, my choice for adventuresome travelers wanting a special experience would be to overnight at a farm or ranch. There any many options for overnight vacationers across North America to see the rural countryside, observe the nighttime sky, watch the animals in the fields or the crops being harvested. Check out some choices at Rural Bounty.

If you want to read the full article about “glamping” by Laura Coffey a Today Show.com contributor just go click on her article “Go Glamping! 10 tips for a budget adventure.

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