Farm markets grow trust with customers

For many suburbanites, there is something alluring about stopping off at a tucked-away farmer's market stand.

A local trust and instant connection are made after buying produce from a family who most likely grew the product from seeds.

Although there are no value card points to earn or air-conditioned aisles to walk down, shoppers know the benefit of buying local is a seed worth sowing.

"When the city connects with rural areas, there's a sense of community there," said Donita Anderson, executive director of the North Union Farmers Market. "It's appealing to our hearts to greet a farmer."

North Union operates in nine farmers markets throughout Cuyahoga County and the Cleveland area, said Tiffany Leeper, manager of the Crocker Park location in Westlake.

"All of our produce is certified and we are at the height of the harvest season," Leeper said. "We send a staff member out to inspect and visit each farm so we can assure if they are right to represent us. We usually have 15 vendors set up each Saturday."

The Crocker Park market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., located across from Chipotle and First Watch restaurant. The Market operates from the second week in April through Nov. 22.

Anderson said North Union Farmers Market has been in operation for 14 years. Each summer sales improve.

"There's a movement in the country to buy local," Anderson said. "People understand it saves farms, supports the local economy and is environmentally correct when produce isn't traveling 1,500 miles and changing ownership six times."

With so many stands reporting bountiful sales, cities like North Olmsted are trying to get a share of the crop.

North Olmsted Community Life Services Director John Dailey said the city is trying to open a market next summer through North Union....