Farmers' Markets, Berkshire County Massachusetts
Buying Locally-Grown Produce Helps Preserve Local Farms, Rural Land
Jun 6, 2009
In spring, summer, and fall, visitors to Berkshire County in western Massachusetts can take advantage of the rural seasonal abundance by visiting farmers' markets held in small towns throughout the region. In addition, many local restaurants make a point of building entire menus around locally-grown produce and other farm products
Farmers' markets operate on different days in the various Berkshire County towns. In spring and early summer, the balance of products tilts toward locally-made baked products; jams, jellies, and syrups; some early produce such as spinach and other greens; meats, eggs, and cheeses; along with non-food items. As summer progresses and more fresh produce becomes available, the markets display a wide range of fruits and vegetables, including heirloom varieties.
How Tourists Can Have a Positive Impact on Preserving Farms and Rural Lands
Tourists contribute an important economic stimulus to rural farms. As elsewhere in the United States, Berkshire County's family-owned farms are struggling to survive in the face of stiff competition from large corporate farms that enjoy the benefits of economies of scale and the higher profit margins of "factory farm" techniques. These larger farms have a pricing advantage against smaller scale operations, especially those that use the more labor-intensive organic farming methods.
As in other areas where land prices (and taxes) are high, Berkshire County farmers must weigh the cost of their traditional farming business against the large profits they could realize by selling their land as potential sites for subdivisions, condominiums, and shopping malls.
The locavore movement, which promotes buying and eating locally grown produce and other farm products, has gained traction throughout the United States in recent years, and has been a big help to small rural farms. In Berkshire County, tourists and second-home owners are an important part of the economy. Visitors can play a big role in helping to preserve the rural lands they like to visit simply by patronizing local businesses that use locally produced farm products, or by buying directly from the farmers at the markets or at the farms themselves.
South Berkshire County Farmers' Markets Dates and Times
- Great Barrington Farmers' Market: Railroad station west of Main Street. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Late May through late October
- Great Barrington A to Z Farmers' Market: 94 West Avenue. Wednesdays, 3 to 6 p.m. Early June until early September.
- Lenox Farmers' Market: At the park on Main Street in downtown. Fridays, 2 to 6 p.m. Early May through late October.
- Otis Farmers' Market: 2000 East Otis Road parking lot. Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Early May through late October.
- Sheffield Farmers' Market: Old Parish Church parking lot on Route 7. Fridays, 3:30 to 6;30 p.m. Late May through mid-October (Columbus Day weekend).
North Berkshire County Farmers' Markets Dates and Times
- Adams Farmers' Market: On Route 8. Fridays 12 to 6 p.m. Late May through late October.
- Lanesborough's Berkshire Area Farmers' Market: Old State Road. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Early May through late October.
- North Adams Farmers' Market:. St. Anthony's parking lot across the street from Mass MoCa. Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Mid-July through late October,
- Pittsfield: Berkshire Harmony Farmers' Market, 350 Tyler Street. Daily, late May through late December.
- Pittsfield Farmers' Market: 400 North Street, Thursdays, 4 to 7 p.m.. Early June through late October,
- Williamstown Farmers' Market: Spring Street, South end. Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Late May through late October.
Berkshares: Buying Local Means Using Local Money
In addition to the farmers' markets, visitors to Berkshire County can enjoy locally produced farm products at any of a large large and enthusiastic list of restaurants that buy and construct menus around local and seasonal harvests. A complete list is available from Berkshire Grown, an organization of local food producers, member restaurants, and other businesses, inns, and institutions that support local farms.
Note that many of the businesses in Berkshire County accept payment in "Berkshares" which is a local scrip. Visitors and residents can buy Berkshares at local banks. A dollar's worth of Berkshares costs 95 cents, and can be used (sometimes with restrictions) at many area businesses. The local businesses get a bit more trade, scrip users get a five-percent discount, and everyone wins!
For more information on Berkshire County attractions, including, farmers' markets, Catamount Aerial Park, Berkshire Ski Areas. adventure park, and country homes, see the Berkshire Resources page.
 |
