Hudson Valley Farmers Bring Fresh Produce To Queens

There's nothing better or healthier to eat than fresh fruits and vegetables, and three Farmers' Markets will open for the season in Queens the weekend of July 6-8.

The New York Hall of Science Farmer's Market opened Sunday, July 8, and will be open every Sunday through November 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market is located at 111th Street and 48th Avenue off Corona Avenue, in Flushing Meadows- Corona Park

The Queens Botanical Garden Farmers' Market opened on Friday, July 6. The market will be open Fridays through November 9 from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.- Alex Tomato Farm of Carlisle, New York will feature melons, corn, strawberries, cucumbers, okra, apples and peaches. Migliorelli Farm of Tivioli, New York, specializes in many varieties of vegetables, such as beets, Japanese turnips, broccoli rabe, bok choy, peaches, tomatoes, mesclun salad, apples and cider.

The Jamaica Farmers' Market, located on 160th Street off Jamaica Avenue, also opened Friday, July 6. The market runs both Fridays and Saturdays and will continue through November 17. Troncillito Farm from Marlboro, New York, will feature apples, cucumbers, peppers, kale, grapes and strawberries, while Alex's Tomato Farm will offer peppers, okra, corn, tomatoes, squash and melons.

The Jamaica market is sponsored by the Greater Jamaica Development Corp. a local community development group that works with Community Markets and organizes 15 markets in the New York Metro area.

"One great advantage of buying at our markets is that we visit every farm to ensure the quality of what is being grown and sold to our shoppers," says Miriam Haas of Community Markets. "We require that everything our farmers sell be produced locally, so consumers can be sure they are getting fresh-picked taste and quality."

There are many reasons to buy produce at farmers' markets, besides taste. Farmers harvest their produce one or two days before the market day. Fruits and vegetables are allowed to ripen on the plant rather than in transit, providing the consumer with food at a maximum level of nutrition and flavor. Another reason is that people concerned about food safety can find a trusted food source and greater food security. Consumers can talk with the farmer and find out where and how their food was produced. Others like the fact that they can find more variety and unique flavors.

Shoppers have access to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables since local farmers can offer specialty varieties of tender vegetables and fruit that can't withstand traveling long distances, and customers can purchase a unique array of handcrafted cheeses, breads and specialty foods that are only available at these markets.

Direct marketing cuts the costs of packing, advertising and distribution so that farmers receive full value for their produce.

Energy efficiency is a big issue today and it is true that locally-grown food travels fewer miles, providing a fresher product while consuming less energy in transport.

By shopping at a local farmers' market, consumers can also strengthen the regional food system and the regional economy. Good markets where farmers can sell their produce keep small family farms viable and open space productive.

Community Markets was founded in 1991. Working with local municipalities, chambers of commerce and individual community groups, the company organizes market sites in New York City, Westchester and Rockland Counties. Community Markets brings local agricultural products to suburban and urban consumers, enabling people to buy nutritious foods, supporting sustainability of the local food system and helping regional farms access high value markets.

For more information about all the farmers' markets and what will be available during the season, call 914-923-4837 or visit www.communitymarkets.biz.