Farmers Market – Online!

An early weekend morning run to the local farmers market has become routine to many across the country. But for some the fresh produce and locally produced food items are available by the click of a mouse. Online farmers markets are making it easier but also more disconnected to participate in a local food economy.

The New Hampshire Virtual Farmers Marketplace has been in operation since 2008.  Customers can log in, place an order and schedule a pick up or delivery time from farmers near them.

“This technology is an absolute requirement for survival.  We know there is a whole generation of consumers that is comfortable with computers and the Internet, and they use it for shopping,” said Jeff Cole, executive director of the Massachusetts farmers markets group and reported by USA Today.

A whole new group of people might start buying directly from farmers this way. For others it might make it easier to sit and wait for delivery instead of getting out and connecting with a community. Being part of something bigger, meeting people you might not have a chance meet (farmers!) and seeing the wide variety of food produced by farms in your area are some of the best opportunities created by farmers markets.

What do you think?

Elizabeth Ulion is a graduate student at Northwestern University. She is addicted to the summer squash from the local Kern Family Farm.

Photo courtesy of NatalieMaynor/Flickr