Local Farmers Markets

There are some new farmers markets opening up in the area, so I thought I'd share a list of locations and times. This list is adapted from the Saturday, May 16, 2009, Post Register.

• Idaho Falls Farmers Market: KeyBank parking lot, downtown, Saturdays through Oct. 31, 9 am to 1 pm.
• Farmers Market at Ammon Park Center, Ammon: west of Ace Hardware and Walgreens on 17th Street, Saturdays through October, 10 am to 2 pm. (new this year)
• Farmers Market at Liberty Square, Ammon: 2475 S. Ammon Road, opening June 12, Fridays through October, 9 am to 1 pm. (new this year)
  
• Rexburg Farmers Market, Rexburg: parking lot south of the Rexburg Tabernacle, opening June 26, every Friday evening through September.
  

Local Food in Oregon

The Southern Willamette Valley Bean and Grain Project, in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, has an ambitious goal. It wants the Willamette Valley, including Portland, to become completely self-sufficient in food. The project is helping local grass-seed farmers convert their land to organic bean and grain production. There are many obstacles, from farmers relearning their craft to the need for rebuilt infrastructure, but project leaders are optimistic. They have received a big boost from the faltering economy, which has reduced the demand for grass-seed as new homes and golf courses aren't built. Read more in the original High Country News article.

Eat Local Food

On MotherTalkers today, a diary about eating local food. If you eat local food, you minimize the fuel, greenhouse gas emissions, and cost of transporting the food from field to you. Here in Idaho Falls, you can shop the Saturday Farmer's Market (now open! -- through October) in the KeyBank parking lot, shop Eagle Rock Food Co-op, or find a CSA (community supported agriculture -- a farm that delivers a box of fresh produce to subscribers every week during the growing season).