Farmers Have a Corner on the Market

Summer is almost upon us and farmers across Connecticut are gearing up to share their local produce, dairy, breads and more with hungry locavores at weekly farmer’s markets.  Oxford’s own Gazy Brothers Farm will be vending at a number of markets across the state:

Tuesdays, 11:00am-2:00pm through March 25 at the New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan
http://www.newcanaannature.org/

Fridays, 2:00pm-5:00pm through March 14 at Benedict’s Home And Gardens, 480 Purdy Hill Road, Monroe
http://www.benedictsgarden.com/

Saturdays, 10:00am-2:00pm through April at the Greenfield Hill Grange, Hillside Road, Fairfield
https://www.facebook.com/Greenfield.Hill.Grange

Saturdays, 10:00am-2:00pm through May 3 at the Norfield Grange, 12 Good Hill Road, Weston
http://wintermarket-ct.com/

Many of the markets have live music, children’s entertainment, special events and guest speakers.  So why should you go? CT Nofa says that eating local organic food tastes better and is good for you, the earth and your community. Here are some more benefits:

Health benefits: 

·      Higher nutrients from organically managed soil and, if local, from shorter distance to your plate

·      Less exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

·      No synthetic growth or breeding hormones

·      No synthetic additives

·      No antibiotics

·      No genetically engineered seeds or other inputs (GMOs)

·      No sewage sludge

·      No irradiation

Earth benefits:

·      Builds biodiversity

·      Reduces excess nitrogen

·      Fights climate change

·      Keeps water cleaner

·      Builds healthy soil

·      Saves energy

·      Protects wildlife

Community benefits:

·      Brings people together at markets and community supported farms

·      Keeps money in the local economy

·      Incorporates the true cost of food

·      Supports smaller and beginning farmers

·      Protects the health of farm workers

Make sure to stop at the ATM on your way there because most of the merchants only take cash. And don’t forget to bring your reusable bag!

 Bon apetit!