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“Our customers love all of the different colors of produce we sell,” said Nancy Ochoa, whose family operates Ochoa Produce in Richmond County.

Explore local farmers’ markets near you—and expect Virginia-grown variety!

By Elizabeth Nixon, Virginia Farm Bureau

Juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, kohlrabi, bok choy, potatoes, melons, carrots, lettuce, berries and squash are just a few products that will line the tables at Virginia farmers’ markets and farm stands in the coming months.

While their bright colors please the eye, their numerous varieties and diverse flavors are pleasing to many consumer palates.

carrots
watermelon

With the past decade’s local food movement has come consumer demand for a wider selection of fruits and vegetables. In the most recent U.S. Census of Agriculture, more than 3,500 Virginia farm operators reported selling directly to consumers. Virginia has more than 250 farmers’ markets, compared to fewer than 90 in 2005

‘Virginia has more than 250 farmers’ markets today, compared to fewer than 90 in 2005’ (Click to Tweet)

Consumers becoming more adventurous

Nancy Ochoa and her family own and operate Ochoa Produce on the Northern Neck in Richmond County, where they grow more than 250 varieties of produce throughout the year.

“We have weekly customers come to us because we offer many different varieties of traditional types of produce,” Ochoa said. “We are very well-known for our melon selection. We grow seven varieties of cantaloupe and two varieties of watermelon."

They also grow 10 varieties of squash and several varieties of beets, radishes, kale and carrots, as well as purple potatoes.

“Our customers love all of the different colors of produce we sell,” Ochoa said.

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Virgina had 90 farmers markets in 2005, has 250 in 2017

Gary Allensworth, owner and operator of Lois’s Produce in Westmoreland County, has been noticing the same trend. He grows produce on 125 to 150 acres, depending on the year.

“For most people, as long as you have a good, clean product, they are supportive,” Allensworth said. “However, I have seen some differences in what people want over the years.”

He noted that different varieties of tomatoes have been popular.

“People want more heirloom types of tomatoes. We have also seen an increase in people preferring cherry tomatoes, so in turn we have started raising various types of cherry tomatoes.”

Consumers also are becoming more adventurous in their melon selections.

“They are becoming more interested in seedless and specialty types of watermelon with an orange or yellow flesh,” Allensworth said. “They are beginning to realize that, even though those varieties are not the traditional colors, they still have an excellent flavor.”

Becoming a Farm Bureau member is a delicious way to support growers who make your local market a special place. Won’t you join us?

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