Colorado's Annual Farmers' Market Directory Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Summer is near and farmers’ markets across Colorado are starting to pitch tents and sell local products. To help consumers find farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, wineries and agritourism activities, the Colorado Department of Agriculture annually publishes the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory. The publication is celebrating its 25th year of connecting Colorado producers with consumers.

“We are so excited about the 25th Anniversary edition of the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “This year’s directory is the biggest ever, listing more than 240 farms, ranches, roadside stands, u-picks and agritourism operations as well as 110 farmers markets across the state.”

In addition to listing farms, ranches and farmers’ markets, the free directory features information on county fairs, food and agricultural festivals, recipes and tips for picking Colorado produce. Farm Fresh also includes farms that offer tours, wineries, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, farm and ranch vacations, and a crop calendar.

The 2009 Colorado Farm Fresh Directory is available for free at participating libraries, chambers of commerce, welcome centers, visitor centers, CSU Extension offices and other businesses. The directory is also accessible online at www.coloradoagriculture.com/farmfresh.

The directory is sponsored by the Colorado Apple Administrative Committee, Colorado Farmers' Market Association, Colorado Fresh Markets, Colorado Wine Industry Development Board, Delta County Tourism, Metro Denver Farmers' Market, Mile High Marketplace, Miller Farms, Rock Creek Farm and Royal Crest Dairy.

“The ‘buy local’ trend continues in Colorado and farmers’ markets are reaping the benefits,” said White. “According to a recent survey of Colorado farmers’ market managers, over 95 percent have a ‘very positive’ or ‘somewhat positive’ outlook for Colorado farmers’ markets and 84 percent of markets saw an increase in sales during the 2008 season.”

For more information or to find a location to pick up a free copy of the 2009 Colorado Farm Fresh Directory, contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture Markets Division at (303) 239-4119 or visit www.coloradoagriculture.com/farmfresh.