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 2013 season.

The market, located at Steele Wines at 4350 Thomas Drive in Kelseyville, opens Saturday, May 4.

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 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

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.

Beginning Tuesday June 4, the Lake County Farmers' Finest market also will hold second market each week on Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. to noon, also at Steele Wines.

To assist local families in purchasing fresh, wholesome, and locally-grown produce directly from farmers, the Lake County Farmers' Finest markets will accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) at both markets.

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 Kelseyville Certified Farmers’ Market on Saturdays runs from the first Saturday in May through last Saturday in October, while the Tuesday market takes place from the Tuesday in June through last Tuesday in September.

For more information visit www.lakecountyfarmersfinest.org .