LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Savor the flavors of Lake County produce and farm fresh products as farm stands and farmers’ markets open for the 2012 season.

From eggs and honey, which are available locally year-round, to plant starts, lettuce, strawberries, broccoli, beets, cauliflower, perennial plants, onions and more, are now available.

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

There are many locations around Lake County where you can purchase produce and farm products directly from the farmer, which helps support the entire community and allows you to receive fresh, wholesome, and locally-grown 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.

The following sources offer Lake County-grown produce for purchase directly from the farmer:

Lake County Farmers’ Finest Certified Farmers’ Markets
At Steele Wines, 4350 Thomas Drive, Kelseyville
Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. – noon, May through October
At Library Park, 222 Park St., Lakeport
Wednesdays, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., June through September
www.lakecountyfarmersfinest.org

Friday Nite Farmers’ Market
At Redbud Park, 14655 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake
5 p.m.-8 p.m., June through October
www.clearlakechamber.com

Seely’s Farm Stand
80 E. Highway 20, Upper Lake, CA 95485
707-275-0525

Featuring locally grown fruits including pears, peaches, and apples; large variety of local seasonal produce, fresh cut flowers, pumpkins, gourds, decorative corn and cornstalks; and locally produced products: salsa, honey, jams, jellies, and cheese. Open June through November, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

For a more detailed list of local farms and markets offering fresh Lake County products, contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800-525-3743 or to request a copy of the Lake County Farm Trails Discovery map.