St. Norbert Farmers Market
Urban Agriculture
St. NORBERT MARKET
- Benefits 1
- Benefits 2
- Benefits 3
- Ten Reasons
Benefits of Farmers Markets: Raises Awareness about Organic Farming:
Many of the products sold at farmers markets are organically grown. Organic farming refers to
... a technique of producing food that excludes synthetic chemical inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides or additives. Soil fertility is maintained by natural techniques such as manure, composting and crop rotation. The use of mechanical cultivation, mulches and burning techniques controls weeds while biological pest management and companion planting helps control pests and disease (Barrs 1997 in Fairholm 1998).
This type of farming is becoming increasingly popular as consumers are beginning to make food choices that have no chemical residue. Furthermore, there has been a shift in societal values towards a better relationship with nature, which has increased interests in organic farming (Hough 1995, p.214). Consumers are becoming more aware of their impact on the environment, and are becoming more socially responsible for lessening their human impact on the environment, and contribute more to a sustainable society (Fairholm 1998).
While not all produce at The St Norbert Farmers Market is organic, it features a variety of organic options. The consumers at the Farmers Market are making a conscious choice to purchase organic produce. In doing so, they are making a decision to improve their personal health and make a positive contribution to the environment.
