A 30-year-old tradition brings farmers from across the state to Albuquerque every Saturday morning - their trucks and cars full of everything from freshly picked fruit and flowers to baked pies and bread.
Farmers' Markets, six of them in all, provide the community with an excuse to interact with neighbors and a rare chance to buy food straight from the people who grew it, said Eric Garretson, president of the Albuquerque Growers Association and director of the city's downtown farmers' market.
"The industrial food system this country is living under is causing many of our health problems," Garretson said. "Most people don't realize that the Albuquerque valley has been farmed for more than 3,000 years. These markets support that way of life and the local rural economy."
The first Albuquerque farmers market sprang up near the downtown corner of 8th Street and Central Avenue in the 1970s. They now sprawl across the region, with three in the city, one in Corrales, one in the village of Los Ranchos and one as far away as Bernalillo.
Garretson said the markets take advantage of Albuquerque's exceptionally long growing season, keeping the markets open longer.
The markets' seasons run from early June to the end of October, Garretson said. He said officials are working to develop resources to keep the markets open year-round.
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According to the New Mexico Farmers' Markets Web site, each market is unique, reflecting the particular character of local cultures, soils and climate.
During the spring and summer, vendors sell fresh fruit, including melons and berries and an array of fresh herbs. Pumpkins and winter squashes are just a few of the local seasonal products sold at the markets in the winter, Garretson said.
He said chile, organically-raised chicken and turkey and native landscaping plants are year-round staples.
"It really is one of the only situations today where a person can be sure of where their food came from," Garretson said. "The consumer buys the products straight from the person who grew it. There is no argument you can give me that there is healthier food available."
Mary Macias, of Macias Farms in Albuquerque, participated in the farmers' markets for the second year and said she enjoys the camaraderie among the growers and the markets' simplicity.
"People here are extraordinarily honest, you won't find that in the corporate food industry," Macias said. "These markets lend a helping hand to small businesses which really dictate the local economy."
New Mexico is home to 37 farmers' markets. Garretson said the markets are working cooperatively to help the community by participating in the Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program.
The national program matches donations by the farmers with state funds to help women with young children who may not be getting good nutrition.
Garretson said the women receive special checks to spend on produce at the farmers' markets around the state.
"This program not only helps women and children to eat better, but helps farmers by bringing new customers to the markets and increasing sales," he said. "It's a win-win situation."
If you go:
There are 37 farmers' markets in New Mexico, six of which are in the Albuquerque area. With different schedules and seasons, there is a market to meet everyone's needs, said Eric Garretson, president of the Albuquerque Growers Association. Here are directions and season information for the markets in and around Albuquerque:
Albuquerque Downtown Market
Location: 8th Street and Central Avenue at Robinson Park
Schedule: Saturdays, 7 to 11 a.m.
Market Season: June 21 through late October.
Albuquerque Growers' Market
Location: Caravan East parking lot, 7605 Central NE
Schedule: Saturdays and Tuesdays, 6 to 11:30 a.m.
Market Season: June 21 through mid November
High Desert Farmers' Market
Location: Bernalillo, Camino del Pueblo, about one block south of US 550 (Hwy 44)
Schedule: Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m.
Market Season: July 11 through late October
Village of Los Ranchos Growers' Market
Location: City Hall, 6718 Rio Grande Blvd. NW
Schedule: Saturdays, 7 to 11 a.m.
Market Season: May 3 through mid-October
Winter Market: The second Saturday of the month starting November 10, 10a.m. to noon
Corrales Growers' Market
Location: Recreation Center next to new Post Office
Schedule: Sundays 9 am - 1 pm; Wednesdays 4 pm - 7:00 pm
Market Season: April 27th - mid November
