Since I’m no longer a vendor at a farmers’ market, nor on the board of the North Dakota Farmers’ Market & Growers Association, I feel I can talk about markets without bias.

I’ll always be a proponent of farmers’ markets because that’s what my wife and I did for 20 years. We made some money, we met a lot of good people and created some lasting networks.

In a way, I feel out of touch, since I’ve been detached from it for two seasons now, but the markets are still happening, their growing, more and more people are becoming involved with markets across the state and one good thing we are starting to see is young people becoming involved.

I’m not talking about young people who inherited the farm, although there is some of that, I’m talking about young people who want to find their own way and prove they can succeed in a farmers’ market world. I commend them for their efforts.

There are several things to keep in mind when you visit your local farmers’ market, whether it’s in downtown Fargo or at the intersection of two rural roads. Those people work hard to bring you the freshest products available.

We’ve often said, that’s how we can beat the grocery store. We can’t compete with their volume pricing, but what we can do is get products to the market, in some cases, less than 24 hours after being picked.

My first exposure to farmers’ markets was in 2004. At that time, there were 14 markets all across the state of North Dakota and the organization was operated by the state ag department. Several years later, as markets began to grow and others got started, the organization became self sufficient, created a board of directors and continued to move forward.

That same year, 2004, I wanted to start a market in my community and the ag department told me it would have to be in a community of 1,000 or more. A year later several of us lobbied for smaller towns to have markets and won out. At my last count, there were 56 markets across the state.

Whether you are growing produce, canning tomatoes, making jelly, baking gluten-free bread or whatever it is, it’s important for the public to understand that the vendors have worked hard to make it happen. Their destination is your destination and they want nothing more than to provide you, the customer, with the best product.

I know one woman who has three young children and is a home baker. She gets out of bed sometime between 2 and 3 a.m., gets her ovens going and by the time the late-morning market rolls around, she has cranked out 50 loaves of bread. And she sells them all every week. Her husband works for a construction company and this is her way of contributing to the financial well being of her family.

Another vendor is an old man who has been a gardener for more than 50 years. He’s slowed down a bit in the past five years, but he’s still there every Friday and Wednesday because he loves it so much.

Six pre-teen children from two different families and two separate markets have sprung up to create their own niche. Of course, these kids are supervised, but they work hard and they deserve the accolades. Rather than watching TV or playing video games, they’re either out getting dirt under their fingernails or standing by a hot stove stirring vinegar and water which will become a pickle brine.

Honestly, it’s one of the most wide-open business opportunities you could imagine. You can earn good money, but there is a catch. You have to work hard and present a quality product to your customers. If you can do that, you’re in business.

The ag department continues to support all the markets in North Dakota with advertising and public relations campaigns. And, the department normally has a presence at the local foods conference each year.

After all, it is agriculture, but the markets have certainly diversified over the years. Fresh garden produce is only a part of a farmers’ market. Some people make their own candles, freeze dry candy, bring dog treats to the market or even crochet items are available.

Do yourself a favor this month. Get out and support your local farmers’ market. Even if you aren’t a big fan of markets, because it’s farmers’ market month, stop by and you might be surprised at what you find there. I guarantee, you’ll be back.