Where Can You Find Specialty Crops?
Specialty crops can be found in many places. Of course you can buy them at grocery stores, but you can also buy them at nearby farmers’ markets, and food co-ops. Food that is sold close to where it was grown or produced is called “locally grown.”
When you buy a fruit or vegetable, look at the sticker on it and often it will say in what country or state it was grown. Look for the “Minnesota Grown” label–this logo tells you that the product you are buying was grown right here in Minnesota!
Producer
A producer has two roles:
- To sell their goods
- To buy resources in order to make their goods.
Farmers are producers. They sell the things they grow, and they also buy resources, like seeds and land where they can plant and grow crops
Consumer
A consumer also has two roles:
- To buy goods and services
- To use resources
We are consumers when we use our resources, like our money, to buy things. We buy goods, such as vegetables, at the local farmers’ market.
Farmers’ Market Activity
Have you ever been to a farmers’ market? Odds are, there’s probably one in your town or community. Farmers’ markets are a great way for the consumer (you) to meet the producer (farmer). When you visit a farmers market, try a new fruit or vegetable, and say hi to the farmer who grew it!
