A growing business

0 Comments | La Crosse Tribune, Jun 07, 2004 | by Hoskin, Ed

GALESVILLE, Wis.

Galesville will become the latest area community to have a farmers market take root in what is a growing industry in more ways than one.

Starting June 12, area vendors will sell fruit, vegetables and other wares to a customer base becoming increasingly interested in buying fresh produce and learning how it was grown.

"Fresh seems to be better," said Gary Trim, a member of the Galesville Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's nice to help out the local farmers, and it must be something that is in need because you're seeing these farmers markets popping up."

There are about two dozen farmers markets in area communities, and about 200 of them throughout Wisconsin.

From 1994 to 2002, the number of farmers markets nationwide increased 79 percent to more than 3,100, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"We have some local vendors here who go to (other farmers markets), so we thought we can help out by having one here as well," Trim said. "Some of the vendors were thrilled about starting one, as well as some of the residents.

"The businesses were excited about the opportunity because they like to see things go on in their town," he added. "It may help them out, too, if (customers) want to get something to eat or do a little sightseeing."

About five vendors already have signed up, and more are being sought.

Industry experts say the tremendous growth in farmers markets is indicative of a growing interest in a food stuff's background.

"We're noticing people are more interested in where their food comes from," said Natalie Walleser of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. "Learning what is what is healthy for you, whether it was organically grown.

"I think one of the benefits of farmers markets is being able to learn about how the food is produced, and meet the farmer," she said. "And normally, it's picked shortly before the farmers market, so it's a little fresher."

Such markets allow vendors to sell directly to the customer at competitive prices for "a good primary income or at least a supplementary income," Walleser said.

Additionally, "farmers markets are a good way for people to have a community event, and learn about the different foods out there," she said.

"When you go to a farmers market, you might stumble across something you didn't know was available, and who knows, it might become your favorite vegetable or other food product," Walleser said. "And farmers like to answer questions, so don't be afraid to ask."

Many such markets work in partnership with other businesses "because people also buy from surrounding businesses," Walleser said.

A calender list of statewide farmers markets can be found at www.savorwisconsin.com on the Internet. The Web site is posted by the state agriculture department, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin Extension Service and the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association.

Because Wisconsin is a strong dairy state, some farmers markets feature cheeses and meats.

Others, such as one in West Salem, include arts and crafts.

Now in its second year, the West Salem farmers market was developed, in part, to bring people to the downtown, said Dr. Denise Jones of the downtown revitalization group, The Village People.

"We had a very good response - a lot of repeat customers because they were very happy with being able to get fresh produce locally," Jones said.

Sweet corn, squash, potatoes, green beans and raspberries are just some of the produce that brings people to the downtown area," Jones said.

Communities such as La Crosse, Holmen, Viroqua and Prairie du Chien have

more than one farmers market.

AREA FARMERS MARKETS

Black Rivers Falls: July-October. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scholze Ace Home Center, 133 Hwy. A. Contact: (715) 284-4454.

Decorah, Iowa: May-October. Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 8 to 11 a.m. Parking lot across from City Hall, 400 Claiborne Drive. Contact: (563) 3828123.

Ferryville: May-October. Weekends, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Sugar Creek Park. Contact: (608) 734-3400.

Galesville: June-October. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Galesville Square, Contact: (608) 582-4124.

Hillsboro: June-October. Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. Royal Bank parking lot, 731 Water Ave. Contact: (608) 489-2521.

Holmen 1: June-October. Wednesday, 3 to 6 p.m. Skogen's IGA parking lot, 606 Holmen Drive. Contact: (608) 784-4880.

Holman 2: June-October. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Middle of Main Street. (608) 526-3112.

Houston, Minn. May/September/October, Saturday, 6 a.m. to noon, Houston Nature Center parking lot, Hwy. 76. Contact: (507) 896-4566.

La Crosse 1: June-October. Wednesday, 8 a.m. to sellout. Bridgeview Plaza, 2500 Rose St. Contact: (608) 785-9771.

La Crosse 2: June-October. Saturday, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. County parking lot, Third and Vine streets. Contact: (608) 785-9771.

La Crosse 3: May-October. Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. Cameron Park, Fifth Avenue and King Street. Contact: (608) 452-3894.

Mauston: June-October. Saturday, 7 a.m. to noon. Juneau County Courthouse lawn, 220 E. State St. Contact: (608) 847-4142.

New Albin, Iowa: June/July/September. Friday, 4:30 to 7 p.m. City Park, Main Street. Contact: (563) 544-4352.