THE RURBAN FRINGE

Farmers Markets Must Cater to the Consumer

Local food is cool.  It’s a trend seen everywhere these days … on TV, in newspapers, online.  Yet even with the expansion of many markets catering to food that is grown and produced locally, there are many more farmers markets who struggle to remain open.
Why?  Poor or no market management is typically one reason.  But perhaps [...]

The Big Business of Farmer’s Markets & Ag Matchmaking

Whew … it’s a busy week … so feel free to catch up with me at FarmOn.com – an online agricultural social networking community – where I’ve noted how Farmer’s Markets are Big Business and how programs in the US are matching newbie farmers to seasoned ones in efforts to encourage more folks to enter the agricultural [...]

The Rurban Fringe ‘Eat Local’ Challenge OR Why Supporting Your Neighbours Has Never Been So Tasty

After a long winter, I’m excited that our local farmer’s market is finally ready for the season!
With the explosion of interest in eating local, we – as consumers – have an ever increasing choice of products and ways to shop for locally grown and produced items.
Practically speaking, local food production can be thought of in concentric circles that [...]