Colorado State Publications Blog

Find your local farmers’ market with the 2022 Colorado Farm Fresh Directory

By Miranda Doran-Myers: Published on
Colorado State Publications Blog

Summer is in full swing, which means that it’s time to visit the farmers’ markets popping up all around Colorado! The 2022 Farm Fresh Directory can help you track down delicious Palisade peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford melons, Pueblo chiles and all the other goods Colorado has to offer.

A close-up photograph of bunch of six baby pink turnips with abundant leafy greens sprouting out of the top. The radishes are being held up in front of a background of green grass, white tents, and people exploring the farmers' market.
Colorado-grown turnips. Photo from City Park Farmers’ Market.

The Farm Fresh Directory has been regularly published for nearly 40 years, in English and Spanish. It contains regional lists of farms, farmers’ markets, and other opportunities to buy local food and produce. Many locations welcome SNAP customers. The intention of the Directory is to help local food producers, “connect directly with you, the consumer, to increase our connection to each other and strengthen our community ties.”

1. Enjoy Seasonal Diversity Experience seasonal and regional favorites such as Palisade Peaches, Rocky Ford Melons, Olathe Sweet Corn and Pueblo Chiles! 2. From the Field to Your Fridge Produce is harvested and delivered immediately. Spending less time in transport means fresh products that retain more of their nutritional value. 3. Savor the Flavor Since local products don’t need to travel far, produce is allowed to ripen on the trees and in the fields ensuring the best flavor. 4. Support the Local Economy Buying local maintains jobs, sustains family farms and ranches, and contributes to the state economy. 5. Learn About Your Food Local farmers and ranchers are right here in your backyard! They are readily available to answer questions about their fresh products. 6. Preserve Our Heritage The beauty of farms and ranches enriches the Colorado landscape and supports the state’s western heritage. 7. Invest in the Future Buying local preserves the strength and character of communities for generations to come. 8. Preserve Open Space and Wildlife Habitat Buying local is better for the environment because it helps keep farms and ranches profitable, thereby maintaining open space and wildlife habitat. 8 Great Reasons to Buy Local!
8 Great Reasons to Buy Local! From the 2022 Farm Fresh Directory. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Farmers’ markets are also great places to buy and sell cottage foods, which are foods that are considered safe to produce in an unlicensed home kitchen. These include spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butter, and baked goods.

Do you make delectable jam or get constant compliments on your baked goods? Consider selling them at your local farmers’ market! The State Publications Library has several resources from the Department of Agriculture that can help cottage food producers obtain safety training and ensure all products meet Colorado’s standards.

Which local farmers’ markets are you planning to visit this summer? What’s your favorite market treat? Let us know!

Miranda Doran-Myers
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