Final story for digital homeroom: Farmers Market

Two months ago, more than seven new farmers markets were opened in the USC neighborhood. With an increasing number of banks and enterprises shutting down, farmers markets are, on the contrary, expanding their businesses into the downtown area.

Every Tuesday to Thursday, people are welcomed to the scenes of the bustling markets at locations such as the Shrine Farmers Market where sellers are proudly displaying their fresh produce, flowers, nuts and even kitchen wares. Buyers are busy haggling over prices and trying free samples. Market fans say they can get a great deal on almost everything from peaches to pots. "You name it, they have it." Shuang Hao, a Master's student from USC, enjoyed shopping around the new spot. "This is like the Caishichang in China. We can ask for bargain directly from the farmers. It feels like home." (Caishichang, is a food market in China, where farmers are selling produce directly to buyers)

Raul Arteaga, a farmer from Oxnard Ranch selling fresh berries at the Shrine, said the farmers market is getting more popular in these times of economic duress. "This year, my quarterly sale is even better than last year. Easter and the fourth of July is the best time so far. People prefer more healthy and organic food these days. That's why the farmers market is surviving and sustaining."

First opened in July 1934, at the corner of Third and Fairfax, the Original Farmers Market was born at the peak of the economic depression. In order to sell their crops directly to the consumer, 18 genuine farmers gathered together, setting up stalls on the small piece of the open land. Over 70 years later, the historic Los Angeles brand is splitting all over the city. Though there was a time when the farmers market was considered an anachronism, still it gradually became a popular destination with not only a wide assortment of healthy foods from the fields, but also fashion goods.

Rebecca Oseguera, a designer of jewelry, opened the only fashion design stall at the Shrine Farmers Market. "People are coming not just for food, they also want to buy clothes and stuff with more creative designs rather than brand names, and with a good price."

During times of financial instability, people often seek to reduce costs of commuting between home and expensive grocery stores. Verra Katz, 77, came to the Shine Farmers Market for the second time. "I live close to here. Even though sometimes the fruits are more expensive than Superior, they have far better qualities. The one-dollar 7-pound watermelon at Superior? It had no flavor at all." With long-running and brand-new farmers markets bringing just-picked produce to a nearby neighborhood every day for much of their shopping, people can wave goodbye to traffic jams and parking problems to get their groceries done

In response to a growing demand, farmers markets continue to expand with new vendors, new products, which helped the farmers market weather through another financial crisis. Today there are about 96 farmers markets in the Great Los Angeles Area.

It wouldn't be long when the sign displayed in front of the original Farmers Market saying "Meet Me at Third and Fairfax" should be changed into "Meet Me Everywhere."

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Crossroads @ Farmers Markets

The Original Farmers Market @ the Third and Fax

Visual Tour @ The Shrine Famers Market