Farmers markets and many crops are early to rise

Local crops and farmers markets got an early start this year. And judging from the relative bounty already evident at the growing number of markets, it is going to be a very good year.

Besides opening earlier, markets have attracted more growers and vendors. So far, the variety of crops and products exceeds what we're used to at this point in the season.

The mild winter and good weather conditions get some of the credit. The rest goes to smart farmers who took note of the 15 percent increase in farm-market business here last year and planned ahead, "forcing" some crops in greenhouses and "high tunnels" (tented crop rows in the field) to get early harvests of tomatoes, strawberries, green beans and broccoli to augment the usual spring range of asparagus, rhubarb, onions, leeks, herbs, peas, potatoes, mushrooms, and assorted salad and cooking greens. The only problem may be what they must charge.

"Our farmers are really worried about pricing. Some say they want to keep prices the same as last year," said Bob Pierson, director of Farm to City, a nonprofit group that helps local farmers market crops directly to consumers through farm markets, buying clubs, and Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.

With about one-third of his growers maintaining organic certification and another third following natural and low-pesticide farming practices, that just isn't practical, says Pierson, who has been advising growers against undervaluing their goods.

In general, despite increases, farmers markets offer good value for the fresh, locally produced foods they provide, i.e. higher quality at lower prices (with a smaller carbon footprint).

But this year, those prices may not be as low as we are used to. We've been spoiled. For most of us, food has always been readily available and at least reasonably affordable. Actually, by much of the world's standards, an absolute bargain.

Now, as food prices are climbing around the globe, small growers locally are dealing with the same higher costs for energy-dependent fertilizer, feed grain and such, along with the escalating costs of oil and fuel.

Still, local comparison shopping found our farmers market prices competitive with supermarkets'. Local asparagus was $2.25 to $3.95 a bunch (about a pound) at most farmers markets, compared with same-day supermarket prices of $3.99 (Whole Foods) and $4.99 (Pathmark) per pound.