What exactly is a farmers market?

Dear Editor,

What comes to mind when you think of “farmers markets?” Ripe seasonal produce, colorful flowers, freshly baked bread, and music?

So what exactly is a farmers market?

Local farmer and small business direct-to-consumer* sales of:  fresh fruits and vegetables, meat products, dairy products, grains, prepared foods, plants, flowers, baked goods, craft items, and so much more.

Farmers Markets provide the benefit of high quality, fresh products and continue to evolve into a favorite place to gather and socialize.

Please join us weekly and especially August 6-12, 2023 as we celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week which highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system.

Farmers Markets in Iowa County:

Ridgeway - Sundays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ballpark Shelter, 299 Hughitt St.

Dodgeville - Saturdays 8-11:30 a.m. at 327 N. Iowa Street

Source:  USDA Local Food Directory

Mineral Point - Saturdays 8:30 -11 a.m. at Watertower Park                                                                                               Business Highway 151 at Madison Street.

*In 2020, of the $2.9 billion in direct-to-consumer sales reported by the USDA, on-farm stores and farmers markets accounted for $1.7 billion (59%).

Eileen Z. Fitzsimons

Dodgeville, WI