Longmont Farmers Market

The Longmont Farmers' Market is a Colorado nonprofit corporation established in 1990 to provide an outlet for local agricultural producers to sell their products directly to the public. The Market began as a small gathering of eight farmers and has grown in seventeen years to become a well-organized ``family" of approximately 60 participants. They include professional farmers with hundreds of acres, weekend farmers with small acreage, backyard gardeners or hobbyists, and teenagers working small plots to earn extra money. We also involve selected craftspersons and representatives from several local food establishments. Visitors to the Farmers' Market will find a wide variety of Colorado-grown produce suited to their personal choices. We have farmers who use conventional methods of growing, and those who are certified organic growers. All items marketed as ``organic" have been grown on farms that are certified by the State of Colorado. In addition to the vegetables that you might expect to find at the Market, many unique items are also offered, such as golden beets, white eggplant, purple beans, seedless watermelon, and many varieties of hot peppers. Farmers from Western Slope orchards make the trip each week to share their beautiful tree-ripe fruits. In addition to high-quality produce, customers can also find fresh and dried flowers, bedding plants, corn stalks and Indian corn for fall decorating, homemade scented soaps, pot pourri, wreaths, and other farm-oriented crafts. Rounding out the ``earthy" selections are farm-fresh eggs, honey, roasted chilies, and prepared food and drinks. The Longmont Farmers' Market is a vital part of our community. It is an enjoyable activity that brings the people of the community together for food and friendship. It is an educational opportunity for many, in that young and old alike can learn directly from farmers and other experts about growing practices, crop seasons, and cooking tips. And finally, it is a statement that consumers make with their dollars that local agriculture and family farms are an important part of our past, present, and future.