As the local harvest season gets underway, and the farmers markets open throughout the region, the new 2008 Puget Sound Fresh Farm Guide is now available.  The Guide is a free publication offering information on local farm products, farmers markets, grocers & restaurants that feature local products and U-pick locations throughout the twelve counties that touch Puget Sound.

Distribution through local libraries began this week.  The 36-page 2008 edition contains listings for 122 regional farms and farmers markets, including hours they are open and driving directions.  U-pick farms are included to help consumers find delicious, healthy foods and enjoyable activities for the whole family.  Consumers can find the Guide at their local libraries, and it will be found online at www.pugetsoundfresh.org.  Guides will also be available at all local farmers markets as they begin opening in April for the season.  A few Seattle farmers markets are now open year-round as demand for local products continues to grow.

The Puget Sound Fresh Farm Guide has been published for over 30 years and is the premier guide to regional farms and activities.  “We are excited by the number of new farms and farmers markets in the Guide this year,” said Mary Embleton, Executive Director of Cascade Harvest Coalition, the organization that sponsors the Puget Sound Fresh program.  “It is a strong endorsement for the importance of local agriculture that so many people are becoming more interested in finding healthy, locally grown farm products when they are in season.  Buying local not only tastes better, but it is good for people, good for our environment and good for the economy.  We hope consumers throughout the region will consciously ask their local grocers and restaurants to offer locally grown foods, and then choose to shop or dine where those products are available. 

We are lucky to have a community of dedicated volunteers who helped with distribution of the Farm Guide this year, including Bob Hilgenberg, Tim Bernthal, Nick Thorp, BJ Hedahl, Jane Pattinson, Bobbi Lindemulder, Denise Geer, Linda Middlebrooks, Carolyn Holt, Jackie Atichison, Shelley Pasco Verdi, and Terry Carkner."

Puget Sound Fresh is a program of Cascade Harvest Coalition, working to help connect local consumers with local farm products to build a healthy, sustainable food system and keep our farmlands in production.  The Puget Sound Fresh website also includes details on individual farms, harvest charts, recipes and information on regional agricultural events, harvest celebrations and summer county fairs.

For more information, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org and www.cascadeharvest.org.