Park Seed Garden Journal

During the SC Festival of Flowers (Thanks again to everybody that stopped by for Flower Day!) I had an opportunity to browse the throng of vendor tables that swamped our Main Street (the widest Main Street in the US) for the weekend. Coming out the other side I realized that I had loosed all my pocket money on an armful of pickles, jellies, preserves, and fresh produce all with labels and insignia that represented a great number of local farmers.

I had not realized that there were so many local small plot farms in the area. But, after a little research, I have discovered a new trend sweeping the country: small plot farmers are a growing population. They haven't become a significant threat to the commercial farms, yet, but they have been noticed.

Maybe, riding down the highway, you have also noticed the growing number of fresh produce stands and organic farms popping up in the rural areas of your own state. Many of these new farmers are very young, some in their mid twenties, people who have found a niche in the growing demand for locally grown organic products. I personally know a few couples who have decided to forgo the corporate world and embrace the oldest source of revenue in our history, and they have found it very rewarding.

In my experience so far, the products from the local growers are top quality, with variety and character that you just can't find in a supermarket. The growing market competition for big commercial farms should also stimulate better prices and quality all around.

Here is an article with a little more information: Small Plot Farmers.