Support our farmers’ markets

The way we see it, Franklin County is blessed to have two thriving farmers market, one in Russellville and one in Red Bay, that are open multiple days of the week throughout the growing season.

Unfortunately, “thriving” depends on who you ask.

We want to encourage everyone to support our local farmers markets – buyers and sellers alike. Our markets need more growers to being fresh produce to tempt shoppers, and people in our communities need to patronize these markets and take advantage of the locally-grown fruits and veggies.

Russellville’s market held a “grand opening” Friday, and it was great to see the crowd milling through the market, located next to the A.W. Todd Centre, to select bags full of tomatoes, beans, cabbages, corn and more to take home and enjoy. We’re sure this Friday’s special event, Tomato Sandwich Day, will be similarly well-attended.

When we talk to people associated with the farmers market, we hear concern. We hear them say they need shoppers to support their endeavors, and we hear their worry that the next generation isn’t interested in growing and selling local produce.

These farmers are your friends and neighbors, and when they sell you a melon, a potato, a cucumber or a zucchini, you know exactly where it came from, and you know that as little as a few hours ago, it was still nestled in North Alabama soil. You just can’t get any fresher than that.

So this is just a little reminder. Don’t forget the assets we have right here in Franklin County in the form of our local farmers markets.