PENDLETON – It’s a chance to get some fresh off the farm produce and also to get to know your neighbors or meet up with friends.

It’s the local farmers market.

In Oregon and across the nation, the number of farmers’ markets has grown dramatically, increasing nationally by 79 percent from 1994 to 2002. The 2002 National Farmers Market Directory listed more than 3,100 farmers markets operating in the United States, with 52 Oregon communities hosting their own markets each week.

The markets have provided a “win-win” situation for local farmers and city dwellers. The markets give farmers an outlet for their fresh and vine ripened produce but also provide an often lost connection for folks living in the city, both to those who produce their food, and their neighbors.

“Survey’s show that people come for the community connection,” said Karen Wagner, co-founder of the Pendleton Farmer’s Market, held each Friday night. “We have a lot of people tell us ‘We come to meet our friends.'”

The markets allow the producers and consumers to interact in a way that can be good for both. Because producers meet their customers face to face on a weekly basis they learn what the customers want and are better able to provide it.

“It’s all about the customer,” said Teresa Walchli, co-owner of Helvetian Organic Produce in Hermiston. “It’s really important that people like what I have. We have a policy just like Nordstroms. If you aren’t happy we’ll give you another.”

As do many of the vendors, Walchli listens closely to what her customers want and tries to provide it whenever possible.

“Last year we ran into a lot of people who wanted basil. Now we have it,” she said.

Walchli routinely attends markets in Hermiston, Pendleton, La Grande, Walla Walla and Hood River, even making trips to Newport and the Oregon coast once or twice a year.

The schedule can be grueling, but for most producers it’s an extension of a broader philosophy they have about growing and eating naturally grown food.

“It only works for people who are in it for the long run,” said Andi Sexton, co-owner of Stone Valley Lamb of Haines.

Sexton is a semi-regular at the Pendleton market. She knows many of her customers by sight and is quick to tell them about certain cuts of meat or products she has in which they could be interested.

Markets also received a boost in 2001 when a federal program allotted $1.5 million in funds to provide coupons to low income seniors that could be redeemed at local markets. The program has proven to be a success and is popular with both producers and consumers.

“One of the best things they’ve done is the senior citizen voucher program,” Walchli said. “They can get fresh produce and it’s organic.”

For more information about Oregon’s farmers’ markets check out www.oregonframersmarkets.org.

Area farmers markets

Baker City Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.

June 28 – Sept. 27

Main and Church streets

Beth Jager, 523-7898

asexton@eoni.com

Baker City Hot August Night

Farmers’ Market

Tuesday, 5-7 p.m.

Aug. 5 – Aug.26

Main and Church St

Elaine Kohrman, 523-4732

ebkohrman@oregontrail.net

Elgin

Elgin Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

June 7 – Oct. 2

790 Division

Corey Hays, 437-4505

bnb@eoni.com

Hermiston

Hermiston Crop and Craft Market

Second Saturday of each month, 8 a.m. to noon

May 10 – Oct. 11

McKenzie Park, First & Orchard

Katie Allerman, 567-5893

sunnydee13@hotmail

Joseph

Wallowa County Community

Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

June 14 – Sept.13

Wildflower Bakery & Cafe on Main Street

Colleen Whelan, 432-8080

jyoti@uci.net

La Grande

La Grande Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon

June 28 – Sept. 27

Fourth Street and Adams

Janet Nedry, 975-2411

jnedry@eoni.com

www.oraction.org

Pendleton

Pendleton Farmers’ Market

Fridays, 4:30-8 p.m.

May 23 – Oct. 31

Main Street, between Emigrant and Frazer avenues

Karen Wagner , 278-7971

karenwagner@ctuir.com

Vale

Vale Farmer’s Market

Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.

May 31 – Aug. 30

Main Street between A & B Streets

David DeMayo, 473-3133

ddemayo@fmte.com

www.ci.vale.or.us

Hood River

Hood River Saturday Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 10 – Oct. 18

Cascade Avenue between Fifth and Seventh streets

Thelma Burch, 387-8349

hrsaturdaymarket@aol.com