As farmer's markets gain popularity nationwide, Austinites can stand proud as the Austin Farmer's Market does its part to support local farmers. Greenlight Magazine highlights the top 10 markets in the nation in its most recent edition, and Austin hits the list. According to the magazine:

This growers-only market is limited to local (within 150 miles) farms, and boasts a distinct Southwestern flavor. Pick up Creole pralines, pecans, as well as heirloom zipper, cream, black-eyed, and purple peas. Then dive into locally made empañadas, plus Oaxacan and Cuban food.

Researching almost 4,000 farmer's markets that currently exist across the United States, the evaluation was based on a series of attributes that included:

• A strict adherence to sustainable farming, ranching, fishing, or production methods, including a distance limit on how far vendors travel to reach the market
• Quality control by the market manager on products sold
• Emphasis on grower-only and food-only markets, or limiting market to small number of local handicraft vendors
• Focus on food and farm-related community and educational projects
• Support of food stamp and WIC programs
• Support from the community at large.

Other locales making the top 10 include San Francisco, Berkeley, Honolulu, Portland, Boulder, Sante Fe, Seattle, Madison, and NYC.

Grab your reusable bag and celebrate by shopping locally at the Austin Farmer's Market, Saturdays from 9am-1pm at 4th and Guadalupe or Wednesdays from 3pm-7pm at Triangle Park (46th between Lamar and Guadalupe).

Image from Best Room In The House