FARMER'S MARKET SOURCE OF FRESH FARM PRODUCTS

Irene Martin started growing her tomatoes in late November.

The Union County gardener put her home-grown tomatoes on display last week during the Cape Girardeau Farmer's Market, held at the Galleria parking lot at 2001 Independence.

"I started the process in my basement," said Martin, one of about 18 members of the farmer's market group. She transferred the plants to a small greenhouse, then to the big greenhouse., where they produced the vegetable that people snapped up at last week's market."

The tomatoes were a pleasant surprise for shoppers this early in the farmer's market.

Farmers markets have become a major sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. The number of farmers markets in the United States has grown dramatically over the past four years.

Martin takes her vegetables tomatoes in this case to three farmers' markets Carbondale and Urbana, Ill., and Cape Girardeau.

The National Farmers Market Directory reveals more than 2,800 farmers markets operating last year in the United States, an increase of more than 400 since 1996 when the United States Department of Agriculture started collecting farmers market data.

The latest Missouri directory lists 50 markets in the state, with more expected within the next month. Last year, as many as 75 markets were operating in the state by July 1.

Farmers' markets offer a variety of agricultural products including fresh, home-grown produce, flowers, plants, honey, baked goods and much more, allowing producers to sell directly to consumers.

The local market here is in its 15th year at the same site.

All products at the local market area home-grown in Missouri or Illinois, within a 60-mile radius of Cape Girardeau.

"We had about six to eight growers at last week's market," said Marilyn Peters, market manager for the local group. "We have a total of 18 members, who will participate in the market as more fruit and vegetables become available."

"We had a number of products tomatoes, greens, rhubarb, onions, spinach and other vegetables," said Peters. "We also had bedding plants and baked goods."

Peters said the market was scheduled to open two weeks ago, but heavy rains and inclement weather interfered. "We had a few people here, but the sellers shut down with all the rain."

The latest market was well attended. People showed up early, waited for the 3 p.m. opening, then purchased the majority of vegetables.

Amos and Bonnie White of Cobden closed down early when they sold out.

Curvin and Dawn High had a popular booth, loaded with fresh pies, breads and other baked desserts, baked at home the day before. The Highs call their operation Down Home Bakery, located in Bluford, Ill.

"We bake every Wednesday for the market here, and everything is homemade," said Curvin High. "We baked again Friday, for markets at Champaign and Carbondale."