Why Shop at a Certified Farmers’ Market?

The Shasta Growers Association takes pride in being one of the oldest certified farmers markets in the State of California. At a Shasta Growers Association Certified farmers market, you are assured that you are purchasing quality produce directly from the certified local growers who produced them.

Do you really know where your fruits and vegetables come from? Certified products are grown or processed in California by the farmer who sells them to you. Products may not be brought in from another state or imported from outside the country. Products also may not be purchased and re-sold to you. You may not be able to find pineapples or mangos at our certified market, however, California-grown sub-tropical fruits as they come into season can be very tasty: Like persimmons, Asian pears, and more. You may not be able to find all varieties of your favorite produce available year-round, but eating foods as they are in season is a great way to connect to the natural cycles of nature within your region.

To ensure fresh and healthy produce, there are strict guidelines the growers must follow to be certified. Each grower must obtain a certified producer’s certificate, issued only after inspection by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which must be presented to the market manager before being allowed to attend a market. It specifically lists all the produce the farmer is growing. The State ensures that quality control and health standards are maintained in fruits, vegetables, eggs or any other food products that are offered for direct sale to consumers.

Knowing where your food comes from is important, but ultimately, it’s freshness and taste that count. Since produce can lose nutritional value and flavor after being picked, the best way to get the freshest produce is to shop at a certified farmers’ market. Fresh produce that has not needed storage or excessive transportation may also be cleaner and therefore safer to consume. Most importantly, purchasing food from certified markets creates a bond between producer and consumer that does not occur in traditional grocery store settings. Some farmers may even adjust their crop plans to include items that consumers want, therefore making it possible for the public to guide production decisions of the farmer and ensuring long lasting relationships.

Support your local economy: Just like supporting local businesses, shopping at certified farmers markets supports the local economy of farmers and decreases the demand on transportation from outlying areas.

The SGA is committed to promoting and protecting the integrity of certified farmers markets in the Shasta County and surrounding areas of Northern California.