A farmer, a writer, a farmers market vendor, Forrest Pritchard shares his view of the growth of farmers markets, the changes occurring in our grocery stores, and the story of his personal farm.

"In an economy that has been unhappily nicknamed “The Great Recession,” it’s refreshing to know that, despite scores of gloomy prognostications, at least one segment of our economy has actually been growing: America’s Farmers Markets.  According to this recent article from Business Week, farmers markets grew nationwide by nearly 10% in the past year alone.  Ten percent annual growth, my Slow Food and Locavore friends, is an incredibly encouraging number."

He continues, "From a personal standpoint, our attendance at farmers markets for the past fifteen years probably saved our family farm.  If you are a farmers market customer, thank you.  The money you spend goes straight back to the farm where you bought your food, an investment that not only financially sustains your farmer, but helps ensure that you’ll be able to purchase your favorite tomatoes, free range eggs and zucchini bread year after year."

With his soon to be published book Gaining Ground: A Story Of Farmers Markets, Local Food & Saving The Family Farm this coming Spring of 2013, he urges us all to help make positive changes.

"Now, let’s start thinking about the future.  We know that when our core values carry over into shopping habits, it turns the heads of national CEOs.  Armed with this power to enact positive change, it makes a farmer wonder: what can we do next?"

Read more HERE.

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First Name: Forrest
Last Name: Pritchard
Vendor: Smith Meadows
City: Berryville
State: Va