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It’s ironic that with the centralized food distribution system in place these days, it’s often hard to find food grown in Huron County in Huron County Food Stores.

But the interest in local food generated through movements like the100-Mile Diet, has generated a desire for many consumers, both residents and visitors, to be able to buy the produce of the farms in a cou ntythat produces more farm products than some of Canada’s provinces do. In recent years there has been a burst of activity starting farmers markets in towns and villages across the county.  Where once the only market was in Godoerich, today markets have been set up in Grand Bend, Exeter, Dungannon, Blyth, and near Molesworth.

Last year brought such success to the new Exeter Farmers’ Market that there was concern over parking and shopper safety so the market has now been moved to the South Huron Recreation Centre, 90 Victoria St. The market will operate every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. starting May 20.  The market, which will celebrate its official opening June 25,  is held at the south end of Exeter on Hwy. 4 at the Gary Bean Securities parking lot. Market parking is available next door  at Country Corners. The market will continue until October 29.

Last year saw Grand Bend join the list of local markets. The market is held Wednesdays, from May 26 to October 6 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’ll find vegetables, fruit, baked goods and more.  The market is located at the Colonial Parking Lot, on Highway 21.

Long before the local food movement Goderich boasted a farmers market. Today the market is held every Saturday from Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving on the Court House Square. The square was originally designated as a market square when the town was laid out back in 1827.

Vendors crowd both sides of the sidewalk from the south exit of the Court House to the edge of the street. Dedicated shoppers, and some people travel from miles around to get the fresh produce the market offers, arrive as early as 7 a.m. to get the food at its very best. Shoppers have a good time visiting with the vendors and getting tips on how to prepare the products.

If you want to visit the market it’s best to go before noon. Though it’s officially open until 1 p.m. by noon many of the vendors are sold out and are packing up to go home (after all they started out very, very early).

A more recent addition to the farmers’ market scene is the Saturday afternoon market in downtown Blyth, conveniently located just a half-block from Memorial Hall, home of the Blyth Festival.

A one-day experimental market in 2004 proved a big success and vendors and shoppers alike asked if the market would become a regular attraction. The market became a summer-long feature beginning in 2005.

The market has found a regular clientele among local residents seeking the freshest of goods, as well as members of the Festival’s acting and production company who like the opportunity to meet the people who produce their food. Hundreds of people attending matinée performances at the Festival add to the bustle of the market, offering vendors a wider pool of potential customers. Market hours, from 1-4:30 p.m. are designed to add extra pleasure for theatregoers visiting Blyth.

It’s ironic that with the centralized food distribution system in place these days, it’s often hard to find food grown in Huron County in Huron County Food Stores.

But the interest in local food generated through movements like the100-Mile Diet, has generated a desire for many consumers, both residents and visitors, to be able to buy the produce of the farms in a cou ntythat produces more farm products than some of Canada’s provinces do. In recent years there has been a burst of activity starting farmers markets in towns and villages across the county.  Where once the only market was in Godoerich, today markets have been set up in Grand Bend, Exeter, Dungannon, Blyth, and near Molesworth.