AUGUSTA, Maine - May 1 marks the traditional opening of the state's season for outdoor farmers markets, and there are more of them than ever in Maine.
That's according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Officials with the agency say there are currently more than 125 farmers markets in Maine. That's up from 100 in 2012 and 63 in 2007.
Agriculture Commissioner Walt Whitcomb says members of the public like knowing where their food comes from and meeting the farmer. "This is a wonderful way to do that. and we're having more growers who are willing to sell directly to the consumers."
Whitcomb says one advantage for producers is that they don't have to share profits with dealers and distributors. At the same time, he says, there's no guarantee that they'll sell all the products they bring to market.
