Enjoy Fresh Bounty This Year: Support Local Farms
The best food is that which is grown closest to you. Here in southwest Colorado, we have over 300 days of sunshine annually and sunshine is just what fruits and vegetables need to grow. Sunshine, good soil, and a little TLC go a long way when we’re talking produce. Just ask a local farmer. Locally grown food is most often organic (or is grown without hormones/pesticides/herbicides), is fresh (hasn’t traveled hundreds of miles to get here), is sustainable (both for the farmer and our local economy) and it just plain tastes better!
Support local farmers by buying produce, meat and dairy from them directly, at a Farmers’ Market, or at Sunnyside Farms Market (located inside Nature’s Oasis) and Vitamin Cottage. More opportunities to buy locally this year:
- Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture): You invest in the farm upfront and in turn, throughout the growing season, you get fresh seasonal produce. Join early, as CSA buy-in is generally limited.
- Visit the farms. James Ranch, Chimney Rock and R.A.S Farms are just a few that have produce for sale onsite. Visit durangofarmersmarket.org to find others. Several even offer work trade, hours for pounds.
- Go to the Winter Farmers Market- two more markets are available to hold you over until Spring.
-Sat, Mar 13 10am to 1pm at The Smiley Building
-Sat, Apr 10 10am to 1pm at The Smiley Building
- Durango’s Farmers’ Market starts May 8th. Every Saturday morning, 8am ’til Noon, you can buy fresh produce from area farmers, fresh pastries, coffee, and breakfast other ready to eat items from local vendors like Bread, Cucina Linda, and High Desert Foods.
Or, grow your own! By using a backyard garden plot, a community garden plot, or gardening containers, you can supplement your family’s food easily and it won’t cost you too much. The County Extension Agent, local farmers, and nurseries will be offering classes that can help you get growin’. A plus, they can also help you learn how to preserve your harvest at the end of the season. You’ll enjoy the delicious rewards of your hard work.
