Community Garden Magazine Issue Five January 2016 | Page 69

sales at the winter market even out our income over the year, eliminating some of
the highs and lows of our financial situation,” said Skip Paul, a farmer at Wishing
Stone Farm in Little Compton, Rhode Island.
In addition to increasing financial opportunities, winter markets allow farmers
and vendors to solidify their relationships with customers. An extended season
enables market customers to get to know their local farmers better. “The biggest
impact for us is really doing local networking and selling,” said Rhode Island
farmer Lauri Roberts. “Selling directly to customers really means a lot to us.”
It also means a lot to us, here at USDA, that local producers can provide
consumers with this direct buying experience, while at the same time, offering
them fresh, healthy, locally-grown foods. We even hold our own winter farmers
market, which features local products such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meat,
poultry, eggs, honey, herbs, handmade soaps, baked goods and more. In
addition, through USDA grants, such as those offered by the Farmers Market
Promotion Program and Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, many of the
nation’s winter farmers markets can look to us for support in their marketing
initiatives.
So, where can YOU go to find one of these great winter farmers markets? Check
out the National Farmers Market Directory to find a market near you

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