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 2012 season at Steele Wines on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

The lovely grounds at Steele Wines provide a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy music by talented local songwriters such as David Ryan, who is playing on opening day, while visiting the market booths and reconnecting with friends.

From olive oil, organic bread, eggs and honey, which are all available locally year-round, to vegetable starts, Asian greens, lettuce, delicate dandelion greens, strawberries, broccoli, baby carrots, leek, chives, goat cheese, fresh herbs, onions, snap peas, green garlic, landscape and fig plants, blueberries and perhaps cherries, there will be plenty available this spring.

As Javier Salmon from Yerba Santa Goat Dairy said, “The goats had a very good crop of babies and the milk has been fresh and delicious, therefore the cheese is amazing.”

As spring ends and summer begins, more and more produce will be available.

Not to be missed are the products from local artists and crafters – from art made with nature to fine jewelry – which all make thoughtful gifts for Mother’s Day.

Beginning in June, Lake County Farmers' Finest will open the market in Lakeport, which will run through September.

Thanks to several grants to assist local families in purchasing fresh, wholesome, and locally grown produce directly from farmers, Lake County Farmers' Finest will accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) at both market locations.

Customers may swipe their EBT cards at the information booth in exchange for tokens to be spent at the market on all fresh food items and food plants.

LCFF manages two Certified Farmers’ Markets in Lake County:
Saturday Morning Market at Steele Wines
4350 Thomas Drive, Finley (off Highway 29)
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, first Saturday in May through last Saturday in October

Wednesday Evening Market at Library Park
200 Park Street, Lakeport (between Second and Third)
Starting in June
www.lakecountyfarmersfinest.org