Keeping It Fresh
September 1, 2008 
We have mentioned, on more than one occasion, that the number of farmers markets in the country has been on the rise during the last few years. It has been reported that more than 4,500 farmers markets are currently in operation across the country. As important as that number is, the estimated $1 billion a year in sales these markets have collectively generated is even more important.
Coupled with that has been the recent move toward “buy local” or becoming a “locavore” and diminishing the carbon footprint. Now, with fuel costs continuing to escalate, more and more people are climbing on the local bandwagon.
In August, during National Farmers Market Week (August 3-9), a couple of states made some waves. In particular, New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker challenged the people in his state to eat local for at least one day during National Farmers Market Week.
On a similar note, Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks issued a local challenge, as well. He encouraged consumers to visit the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Web site, www.agi.alabama.gov to learn about daily tips for becoming a locavore.
And it doesn’t end there. The Kentucky Agritourism Department began a Farms Are Fun campaign. The intended result of the campaign is to encourage folks to purchase farm-fresh food.
Introducing A Winner
The farm I am about to mention may not be as focused on local sales, but its goal is still the same: provide consumers with farm fresh food. The 2008 Grower Achievement Award winner, Lewis Taylor Farms, Inc. Located in Tifton, GA, goes the extra mile to provide its customers the freshest produce available. In fact, the operation adopted some of the latest technology to cool its melons, allowing it to get produce to market more quickly.
Lewis Taylor Farms, not only embraces new technology, one of the four elements of AVG’s SEED initiative (Stand Tall Together, Engage The Consumer, Embrace New Technology, and Deliver Quality), it also was instrumental in uniting growers for the greater good (Stand Tall Together) and doing all it can in the food safety arena (Deliver Quality).
For example, Bill Brim, one of the principal players of Lewis Taylor Farms, was instrumental in starting the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association. He also was one of the forces behind setting up a checkoff program for the growers in the state.
In addition, the farm makes every effort to ensure the safety of its produce, and was the first one in the state to be certified in food safety and Good Agricultural Practices.
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