National Farmers Day a time to remember those toiling during the pandemic

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - As the nation marks what is called the annual "Farmers Day" the impact of the coronavirus is measured as one of the many challenges facing those who work in the fields on a daily basis.

At the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers' Market, there was a major slowdown in April and May when COVID-19 had a grip on the country.

General Manager Sam Edelman said the markets have survived in part because of the safety designs and input from the sellers.

"Our average sale per grower is up per year.  There's a little bit of an uptick," said Edelman.  "We have actually gained some new customers through the pandemic because there were people experiencing the Farmer's market for the first time and are hopefully hooked."

Edelman admits the end of Spring was a tough time for everyone. "We did have a sluggish mid season,  but  we're back up and running.  The farmers are pretty happy that we are up and running, the community is happy that we are still up and running.  It's going really well. Great access to fresh fruits and vegetables."

He says the growers often say fresh ingredients are "one of our best defenses.  Keep the immune system up and healthy and there's nothing better than fresh produce."

The markets saw a drop in business at one point during the first weeks of the virus, but they never closed.

"We have kept all of our markets this entire time.  We have our safety protocols in place.   The community feels this is a very safe place to shop," said Edelman. "We have made it work.   The farmer's stands are separated from the walk  aisles."

For more information go to: Santa Barbara Certified Farmers' Market

to see the annual impact of agriculture go to: Santa Barbara County Crop Report