LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Beginning the first weekend of May each year, residents and visitors alike prepare to savor the flavors of Lake County produce and farm-fresh products as the Lake County Farmers' Finest certified farmers’ market opens for the 2016 season at Steele Wines, located at 4350 Thomas Drive in Kelseyville.

The Tuesday Morning Market opened Tuesday, May 3, and the Saturday Market opened on Saturday, May 7. Both markets are open from 8:30 am to noon.

From eggs and honey, which are available locally year-round, to plant starts, lettuce, strawberries, broccoli, beets, cauliflower, perennial plants, onions and more, will be available at the farmers' market held at Steele Wines.

As spring ends and summer begins, more summer produce, such as corn, peppers, beans, tomatoes, peaches and world-famous Lake County Mountain Pears, soon will be available.

To assist local families in purchasing fresh, wholesome, and locally-grown produce directly from farmers, the Lake County Farmers' Finest markets accept CalFresh/EBT and via a program called Market Match, the markets will double your dollars allowing CalFresh recipients to access even more fresh local produce. 

According to the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), farmers today get less than 10 cents of the retail food dollar.

Local farmers who sell directly to consumers cut out the many middlemen and get full retail price for their food – which means farm families can afford to stay on the farm here in Lake County, doing the work they love, and residents can help to ensure a local food supply and keep local tax dollars within the county.

Market manager Cornelia Sieber-Davis said, “We excited to begin the farmers’ market season in Lake County. Our farmers and vendors work hard to produce high-quality delicious produce and we’re proud to be able to provide it to the community. Tell a friend and come join us this week and every week through October.”

Join Lake County Farmers’ Finest on Facebook or visit the organization online at  www.lakecountyfarmersfinest.org .