Local produce stands discuss season outlook

SALISBURY, Md. – As the weather warms up, local produce stands are starting to see more customers visit to their establishments.

“We always know it’s fresh, it’s easy to come in and shop really quick and get back out again, not like large grocery stores,” said Patrick Hickson, a customer of Williams Market in Salisbury.

Hickson is one of the many customers that frequent Williams Market.

He said shopping at a local produce stand like Williams is good for his wallet.

“Their prices are good, their variety is good, the plants that we get from them are always healthy,” said Hickson.

Workers with Williams Market said they’re expecting a good produce season ahead.

“Well it’s looking good so far as far as the rain and stuff we’ve been getting, we’re not really seeing much of drought conditions, so it’s looking good,” said John McCaig who works at Williams Market.

Meanwhile, River Souder at Adkins Farm Market is feeling hopeful for this year’s produce.

“With our political and economic climate that’s happening right now everything’s kind of uncertain, so we’re just taking it day by day, but everything is still promising, prices might increase just a little bit, we might see a spike on some products, but for the things that are grown here in Maryland, I don’t think that we’re going to see too much of an increase,” said Souder.

Souder said there are many benefits to shopping at a local produce stand.

“You can be more assured that your product is fresher, it is picked within a few days, if not that day, especially anything that’s labeled local, it doesn’t have that food mile if you must of being shipped across the country,” he said.

Williams Market has already started to put out some of their produce.

Adkins Farm Market is looking to get their full selection out by April 18.