Article on Seldom Seen Farm

Room to Grow - Indianapolis Star

Here is a teaser of the article:

It's that time of year -- time to grab a tote bag, tuck a little cash in your pocket and head to a local farmers market.

While some markets began the season last month, others get under way this week, providing consumers with access to locally raised fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products.
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But shopping the markets is about more than just stocking up. Farmers markets also serve as a popular neighborhood meeting place. As local vendor Kelly Funk said recently, "It's hip now to be local."

Apparently so.

Earlier this year, the USDA Agricultural Census announced that direct sales -- that is, food sold by farmers directly to consumers -- jumped nearly 50 percent from 2002 through 2007.

Last August, the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service reported 4,685 farmers markets nationwide; that's 3,000 more than in 1994, when the service first began tracking them.

But why all the fuss about fresh produce?