As the summer begins to wind down, many Alabamians are seeking out farmers markets to finish filling their freezers and pantries with the “fruits” of the summer harvest.

The Alabama Farmers Market Authority's “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” campaign has been successful in providing a place for farmers to sell their products and a place for consumers to purchase farm-fresh produce while support local farmers.

The campaign is also a reminder that shoppers get the freshest, best-tasting produce when they buy it directly from local farmers, said Don Wambles, Authority director.

The number of farmers markets in the United States has grown dramatically in recent years.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture reports that more than 3,800 farmers markets currently operate throughout the country.

“That's a record number, up from the initial count in 1994 of 1,755,” Wambles said. “Sales generated by farmers markets have been estimated to exceed $1 billion a year, with most money going directly to small family farmers.

“The growth has promoted state and local advocates of local farming to designate a week each year to take note of the benefits. Alabama celebrated National Farmers Market Week Aug. 6-12. Gov. Bob Riley issued a proclamation to call special and deserved attention to the many farmers in Alabama and their many benefits to local farmers and consumers.”

Wambles said Alabama has experience tremendous growth in farmers markets since 1999.

“Not only have the farmers experienced a tremendous increase in production, there has been a big increase in consumption of locally grown produce,” he said. “Therefore, farmers markets are a win-win situation for our producers and consumers. When both the producers and the consumers win, the entire community is a benefactor. Farmers and now farmers markets are a vital part of the success of farming communities.”

The 2006 growing season in much of Alabama has been hampered by the lack of rain and Wambles said some producers have lost their whole crop.

“The drought has really hurt this year's crops,” he said. “When you have a season that is this dry and this hot, it takes a toll on everything. Produce farmers who were able to irrigate or use garden hoses or those who had sufficient rain have been able to get by. But surprisingly, even though the yields have been hurt by the drought, we have had a relatively good market season.

“We've got some markets telling us that even with this terrible weather, retail sales are up over last year. That's not widespread but we do have some markets that have done really well. Hopefully, that means that more people are aware of benefits of the farmers market.”

Locally, Wambles said the Pike County Farmers Market is not were it needs to be.

“From the production standpoint we need more farmers participating,” he said. “And, we need more consumer shopping. When those two come together, we will be were we need to be. We don't need more produce than we have consumers and we don't need shoppers to come to the market and not have produce available. We need to get the right mix and then we'll see the farmers market really grow.”

The Alabama Farmers Market voucher program for qualified seniors has been extremely successful in providing seniors with opportunities for fresh fruits and vegetables and farmers with an additional market opportunity for their produce.

In Pike County this year, the Authority issued $25,600 in senior coupons.

“The vouchers are coming in good,” Wambles said. “Redemption is coming in ahead of last year. Seniors have until Nov. 15 to redeem their vouchers but it probably would not be a good idea to wait that long.”

Wambles said the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service works with states to encourage market growth, while its Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services help needy families gain access to healthy produce.

“One result is that more than 2,300 farmers markets nationwide now accept coupons from recipients of the Women, Infants and Children assistance program,” he said. “More than 32,000 women, infants, and children and 62,000 seniors are benefiting from Farmers Market Nutrition Programs in Alabama.”