Farmers markets a plus for customers and farmers alike
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DOWNTOWN JACKSON — From corn to berries and even peaches you’ve probably noticed more produce stands and more vendors at your local farmers market. More and more farmers are selling their produce directly to the customer, and it’s paying off for growers like Amy Flippen with Flippen Farms and Produce. “Every year it increases, every year more people come out but they like it,” Flippen said. “They get to know us. I have people that I know have come here every year for the last 7 years now.” Shoppers are keeping it local and buying anything from watermelon, okra and even tomatoes. Direct marketing increased profits for Tennessee farmers by nearly 25 percent from 2007 to 2012 according to the United States Department of Agriculture Census. “I think the more promotion of the markets the better it gets. We are from Dyersburg, Tennessee. I drive an hour to get here everyday and we bring fresh from the fields its wonderful.” farmer Jessie Harris said. The push for produce goes beyond the farmers market. The “Pick Your Own Tennessee Products” is a state-wide effort to get people out to the farm to see how their food is grown. “I think a lot of people don’t realize where their food comes from an how much work it takes to produce.” Troy Huffman, Weir Family Farms, said. Customers like Dorthy Taylor say they enjoy the atmosphere of a farmers market along with the freshness over the produce sold in a grocery store. “Its more like a family gathering or you see so many people that you know or haven’t seen in a very long time and I really enjoy it,” Taylor said.
