Currently, California's farmers’ markets depend on loyal customers to navigate through difficult times. Many vendors at the markets are recovering from early months of the pandemic in 2020, when markets closed. The closures hurt many farmers who were cut off from customers. Now, farmers face a third year of drought and sky-high fuel and fertilizer costs.
But the farmers-market sector is rebounding, reaffirming its place in California agriculture and its appeal with the produce-shopping public. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the state boasts 750 certified farmers’ markets and 2,700 certified producers. Sixty percent of the markets are year-round, and most seasonal markets operate from April to October.
Crowds are now peaking with summer's arrival, along with popular seasonal items such as watermelons, peaches, oranges and cherries.
Source: agalert.com