(223rd day of year 2012)
Some History of Delaware Farm Markets
I am old enough to remember the produce, cheeses, breads, eggs and meats being sold from vendors who lined the streets of cities and towns selling from crates of goods from their trucks and cards. The photo below is of an even earlier era.
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| Farm Vendors with Wagons on King Street, Wilmington DE, cir 1910 |
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| Farmer Vendors, Downtown Wilmington DE Approx Date 1920-1930 The tradition of farmers getting together and selling their products directly to customers has been around a long time. In fact, for most of human history, such open-air markets were the only way most people could access a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. It wasn’t until after World War II, when big growers and big supermarkets came onto the scene, that farmer’s markets took a back seat in the mind of the consumer. While supermarkets filled with a wide variety of produce still sell the majority of fresh foods in the United States, the farmer’s market is making a comeback. More and more, buyers are recognizing the many benefits of buying produce directly from the farmer.  Today's Farmers Markets |
It is still the same scene from a bygone era when consumers regularly purchased fresh foods from local farmers at open-air markets. It is becoming a common trend that is taking place throughout the country right now, almost every day—at farmer’s markets everywhere. Farmer’s markets have long been a part of human culture, and began thousands of years ago when the first farmers had produce to sell and the first consumers had a need to buy it.
While farmer’s markets are a great way to boost a grower’s income, they also provide a chance for both farmers and buyers to interact. Vendors particularly enjoy the social aspect of farmer’s markets and look forward to the chance to meet customers and discuss their product. Customers can relate to the farmer, their farm and their products.
Marketing the "farm to table" concept and knowing you are helping a small business owner in your community, will also benefit your community economically. Many other great products are created and sold at market, such as cheeses, jellies, jams, pickled items, delicious breads, pastries & baked goods. Seafood, meats, prepared foods, dried and fresh herbs, live floral arrangements, soaps, lotions, and handmade crafts are among other commonly offered items.
Our products made at home under the name of COASTAL COTTAGE SOAPS is a 5 year old cottage industry. We are long standing vendors at a rather local Farmers Market, co-sponsored by Downtown Milford and the DE Dept of Agriculture. This market is the main venue for selling our products. Using home grown herbs and botanicals and locally grown ingredients when possible I produce a variety of natural soaps for all genders including laundry and doggie soaps. Many customers come back time after time, year after year which establishes a better relationship than a "brick & mortar."
Delaware's Farmers Markets continue to become popular, prosper, grow and increase in number. The small state of Delaware with 11 regulated farmers markets grossed over 1.8 million dollars in 2011. Do you know where your food comes from?
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