Farmers markets boost local economy benefiting entire community

As most people here on Delmarva know, if you want the freshest produce, you go right to the source: your local farmers market.

But these markets are doing more than just providing fruits and veggies. A new study from UC Davis says buying directly from farmers could help the local economy more. 

The Ocean Pines market manager, David Beans says, "By buying directly from the farmer at the market, you're helping them compete with the big stores, you're helping that farmer sustain what they're doing, so they can survive and do what they do."

But it's not just benefiting farmers, it's also impacting our community.

"Well it brings everybody into the economy. The farmers directly selling his product, he's always spending the money on labor directly into the community so it benefits everyone," Bean says. 

Just look at Grays Produce in Bishopville, a regular at the Ocean Pines farmers market. They hire locally and even sell products to other local farmers. 

"I think it's beneficial to everyone because in the long run it's like a chain reaction you need to have the farmer and the people to buy it and the business to help support you," Co-owner of Grays Produce, Wanda Gray tells us. 

Besides that, farmers markets are a great way to talk one-on-one with the consumer. 

Ocean Pines farmers market is open year round on Saturdays. However, starting May 2nd, they'll be open on Wednesdays as well.