The summer is here and that means that farmers’ markets all over the country are open for business. Dahlonega has a fantastic farmers’ market open every Tuesday and Saturday in June through October. Located in Hancock Park, Dahlonega’s Farmers’ Market is a cultural hub for the town and embodies everything that makes local farmers’ markets so great.

Below is a list taken from FarmersMarkets.net, which is spot on when describing the advantages and benefits of farmers’ markets. You can also visit www.localharvest.org to find a farmers’ market near you.

The Benefits of Farmers’ Markets and Buying Local

Producers
•    They cut out the middleman allowing increased financial returns through direct selling, price control, and a regular cash flow.
•    They provide the producer with direct customer feedback on produce and prices.
•    Transport and packaging requirements are less thus reducing the producers' costs.
•    They provide a secure and regular market outlet. This is especially valuable for new producers, producers in organic conversion, and small scale producers who are unable to produce the quantity required by supermarkets

Consumers
•    They provide direct contact and feedback between customers and producers, so you can be sure how your vegetables are grown and meat produced.
•    They help to improve diet and nutrition by providing access to fresh food.
•    They play an important role in educating the consumer as to the production and origin of their food.
•    They can be a source of information and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients.

The Environment
•    They help reduce food miles, thus vehicle pollution, noise, and fossil fuel use.
•    They help to reduce packaging.
•    They encourage more environmental production practices, such as organic or pesticide free.
•    They encourage farm diversification and hence bio-diversity.

The Community and Local Economy
•    They help bring life into towns and cities aiding regeneration.
•    They encourage social interaction particularly between rural and urban communities.
•    They stimulate local economic development by increasing employment, encouraging consumers to support local business, and thus keeping the money within the local community.
•    They attract business to retailers in the vicinity.