Agri Leader

Farmers markets should label where food comes from

TBO.com
Published: October 3, 2012

When you go to a farmers market, do you expect all the produce and goods to be grown locally? Probably a lot of people do believe that and it's one of the big draws.

Not everyone is as concerned about it, but it makes sense that these markets, and anywhere that sells produce, should inform consumers where it comes from.

University of Florida researchers published a report about this issue recently and it's clear that consumers are mixed about whether the goods are local or imported, but they do want to know. That's a practice that just makes sense.

The researchers surveyed 120 shoppers at farmers markets in large, medium and small cities. They asked customers if it mattered if items were imported, locally grown or organic and several other questions.

Most liked farmers markets because they did believe they were buying from local growers and that the food was safer and more nutritious. However, some said it didn't matter where it came from.

Farmers markets have grown a great deal over the years. These markets have increased from 1,755 markets in 1994 to almost 7,900 in 2012, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What's clear from the research is that people expect quality food from farmers markets. And they prefer it to be locally grown and organic.

But even if it isn't, they want to be informed of where it comes from and how it's grown. That's fair, and every farmers market should require that kind of information.

The best growers want consumers to know this information. That's why we see the "Fresh From Florida" label on so many things. But we also want to know if small growers are supplying our food. That's the best part of farmers markets.