As a new season for the Cook Area Farmers Market kicks off, the market has enrolled in a national contest sponsored by the American Farmland Trust, a national organization that works to ensure that local farms and ranches remain economically viable and our farmland productive and healthy.

The market, which consists of local growers and artisans growing and producing within a 30-mile radius of Cook, is optimistic of their chance of winning the “boutique” category of the contest. Boutique category includes markets with fewer than 15 vendors throughout North America that have also enrolled in the contest. If the CAFM receives enough votes from their customers, past and present members of the local community and summer resident market shoppers, the prizes will consist of items for our local market and our customers.

The CAFM, which is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located in the Cook City Park, has for sale fresh items such as bread, vegetables, honey, craft items, fresh jellies and jams, and many other items. The market, which was revived 5 five years ago has seen steady growth in the amount of vendors and the corresponding response by the local community. This local trend mirrors the national trend for farmer’s markets growth. The USDA’s agricultural census shows that in 1994 there were 1,755 markets in the USA, but by 2008 the number ballooned to 5,274. Local people have come to understand the benefits of having a source of local healthy food and crafts, and have realized the economic benefits of keeping their shopping dollars circulating locally.

To vote for the Cook Area Farmers Market, simply go to the web site www.farmland.org/vote and enter Cook’s zip code 55723. Your vote will help bring national recognition to the Cook area and of course the Farmers Market. There is nothing you have to sign up for and you can opt out of the future e-mail mailing. The market vendors thank you for support.