Our community is fortunate to have a local farmers’ market. If you haven’t shopped there before, consider the many advantages of patronizing our local merchants. Visiting the local farmers’ market has certainly become an anticipated weekly event at our home.

Farmers’ markets have gained popularity in the last few years as more and more consumers have come to enjoy the very fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, juices, eggs, dairy products, poultry and meats they offer. Farmers’ markets provide other benefits as well—to shoppers and local economies, as well as to the environment. Locally grown produce requires less fossil fuel to transport, which reduces pollution and noise, and less packaging—thus, less trash—than what is found in most supermarkets. And more often than not, farmers’ markets offer organically grown or pesticide-free produce, which is better for the environment as well as better for consumers’ health.

Farmers’ markets also stimulate local economies by providing a secure place for small-scale local producers to sell their products, and a regular cash flow to local farmers. And when local farmers and producers prosper, they are better able to support other types of local businesses.

Another advantage to having a farmers’ market in our community is the social interaction between local residents from different walks of life. A source of “information and inspiration on how to prepare fresh ingredients,” farmers’ markets can help consumers better understand nutrition and the value of fresh and seasonal food.

Bermuda’s Farmers’ Market is held weekly on Saturdays at the Botanical Gardens, JJ Outerbridge Building, from 8:00 a.m -12 p.m.