On the Farm: Buy local
Crisp, green lettuce or bright red, ripe tomatoes are a few of the foods that come to mind when we think of farmers markets and buying local. Other products like pies and copper pots are common amongst the vendors as well. Vendor’s/farmer’s spend all year preparing the ground for healthy, profitable foods and making trinkets to sell. Before the market opens, they spend countless hours to ensure their products are high quality and priced for all to enjoy. Before they sell their products, they spend hours harvesting the product of their toil. Farmer’s markets and local farms work hard to provide quality products for everyone to enjoy, but how do farmers markets affect the community and where are local farmers?
“It takes a village”, is an old proverb used to describe a community raising a child from birth to growth. “It takes a village”, can also be applied to farmers in the community. A farmer works long, hard hours to provide the community with quality products. Without the consumers, farmers would be unable to sell their products locally and continue to serve their community. By buying from local farms, we are helping a neighbor provide food and clothing for their family. A baseball coach provide time and equipment to his players. A schoolteacher receive higher education to better teach our youth. The impact of buying local is a ripple effect throughout the entire community.
But, how do we buy local? Here is Botetourt County, we have so many opportunities to support local farms and vendors throughout the year. The greatest thing about these farmers and vendors is that they have many different products to offer. For example, Martin Farms in Fincastle, offers many different products like pork, hamburger, fruits and vegetables, and they even sell plants to plant in gardens. Bryant Orchards Farm Market is another great place that has a lot of different local foods. They have produce, desserts, flower, milk, ice cream, candles, and so much more! Both Martins and Bryant’s work well to provide lots of different locally grown products to us! Other farms, like Williamson Farms and Etzler Country Hames, specialize in different agriculture products. Etzler Country Hams specialize in hams, bacon, pork loin, and other pork products. Williamson farms specializes in grass fed beef, free range eggs, and organic chicken.
These four farms are great ways to get fresh meat and produce. Another great place to buy local is the Botetourt County Farmers Market. On May 2nd, the farmers market will re-open for the summer. This year, they are providing an order form online to allow you to place your order and receive curbside delivery. The farmers market has so many different vendors from produce and beef to popcorn and woodworking, they have it all! All vendors are from around Botetourt, so come on down and check it out!
Buying local is so important, not only for yourself but for the community. Here are just a few ways you can buy local.
–Story and photo by Courtney Henderson, Special to the Botetourt Bee
