Farmers Market at the Capitol - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

This is also the largest year for the event with nearly 20 vendors bringing their fresh veggies to town.

Reporter Sarah Gustin takes you to the State Capitol for the story.

 

After 20 years in the business these growers know farming has it's ups and downs.

 

(Annette Graner / Farmers Market Grower) "This is the first year in the last 3 we haven't had hail. Moisture wise, we could use more moisture. but it's been a good year so far." 

 

(Dwight Duke / Farmers Market Grower) "We had 2 frost in June. tomatoes in the greenhouse came three weeks early. so I am slow on tomatoes right now, but the cucumbers are really kicking in good and I had the biggest kohlrabi and onions that I have ever had. And the cabbage came early and some of the heads are 5-10 pounds just huge cabbage."

 

(Roberta Thorson / Farmers Market Grower) "It's been a real challenge because there has not been adequate rain, so you have to be watering constantly."

North Dakota is the home to nearly 50 farmers markets.

 

An industry that's grown by 18% in the state within the past year.

 

the biggest thing is probably the tomatoes and the cucumbers. Those are the two biggest right now and they really like the small, little potatoes. And the potatoes are getting pretty big fast this year.

right now everyone wants tomatoes because mainly no one has them and the sweet corn market is really hot right now. 

 

Fresh picked produce isn't just in high demand today at the Capitol, but all summer long. 

 

All the vendors we visited with agree, their produce is becoming popular with the younger generation.

 

(Annette Graner / Farmers Market Grower) "Just this last year we see more young people that are interested in organic, fresh produce and they have been coming up to our markets more often." 

 

(Roberta Thorson / Farmers Market Grower)"I think there is an increase in younger people, which is the market we have been hoping for going back to the way mom did things or grandma, so it's kind of fun to see." 

(Dwight Duke / Farmers Market Grower) "At Urban Harvest, a lot of people are coming down there for fresh, locally grown produce. up at kmart when I go up there, lots of people coming in. then when I go to beulah and Hazen and Washburn, lots of people are coming to farmers markets and searching out fresh, local food." 

 

A fresh, local craving that's growing across the state.

 

This week marks National Farmers Market Week.