The sweet aroma of freshly picked corn alongside vibrantly colored bell peppers permeates the air. In the distance giggling children run through rows of tomatoes and strawberries.
It’s a growing operation, and Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market is changing the way produce is sold in
.
The barn-style building on 80 acres west of
is the county’s first family-owned-and-operated indoor farmers market.
“We grow [the produce] right outside. We pick it fresh every morning and bring it in,” said Steve Bedner, 46, the youngest of three brothers helping continue their family’s legacy. “No one else in the county can say that.”
With people trying to eat healthier, more natural foods, many also are looking to connect with how and where their food is grown.
“There has been an incredible demand for locally grown vegetables and [the Bedners] are meeting that demand,” said Arthur Kirstein, coordinator of the
Office of Agricultural Economic Development.
Bedner’s customers can choose from more than 15 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown next to the store. Prices at farmers markets average 50 percent lower than in grocery stores, a recent University of Florida study found.
“It’s fresh. You know it’s not from storage and it’s sweet as sugar,”
resident Marcia Lobman said as she shopped for cucumbers and eggplant.
The market also offers produce grown by other local farmers who, like the Bedners, use no pesticides or other chemicals.
Bedner’s carries more than 150 products, including organic eggs, fresh-squeezed juice and its privately labeled salad dressings.
And visitors can pick their own strawberries and tomatoes from fields behind the store.
“We’re providing a family atmosphere for [customers] to come out and have a weekend destination,” Steve Bedner said. “They can come to the outdoors … relax and get their fresh produce.”
Supporting local farmers is a growing trend across the U.S., according to Michael Gunderson, assistant professor in the Food and Resource Economics Department at the University of Florida.
Not only are more consumers buying directly from growers at farmers markets, but many restaurants also are making an effort to buy produce locally.
“Farmers markets are a small part of a larger movement to source food locally,” Gunderson said.
Bedner’s market opened in November with a few carts and tents in the parking lot. The permanent location opened March 5.
With help from a number of the Bedner brothers’ wives and children, the business has run smoothly from the start.
“It’s nice to be able to work with family and there’s a trust level there,” said Jennifer Bedner, Steve Bedner’s niece.
The Bedners were commercial farmers, selling their produce mostly along the east coast of the United States, for decades before opening their farmers market
.
“We just thought there was a need in the community for access to fresh produce,” said Marie Bedner, Steve Bedner’s wife.
Consumers aren’t the only ones who benefit.
“It’s a win for the growers because they don’t lose money to the middle man and it’s a win for the public because they’re getting cheaper, fresher vegetables,” said Kirstein, of the county Agricultural Economic Development Office.
For the Bedners’ regular customers, price is important, but taste trumps everything.
“You can taste the difference. Everything is fresher,” said loyal customer Phyllis Malcom. “It’s like having your own garden without doing all the work.”
Jessica Poitevien can be reached at
or 561-243-6645.
