Spring on the Front Range has arrived.

Driving around Boulder County, you might see farms reawakening from their winter slumber, marked by fresh, turned soil. Believe it or not, the start of this year’s market season is just one month away! Boulder and Longmont Farmers Markets are set to return on Saturday, April 5, and we’re gearing up for what might be one of our most important market seasons yet.

These are challenging times for farmers

Across the country, farmers are facing unprecedented uncertainty. Like many other federal offices, the Department of Agriculture is facing staffing cuts, pared down budgets, and a lack of clarity for those who depend on its programs most. Tariffs could cause a dramatic rise in expenses for essential supplies, such as fertilizer, while businesses are still struggling with inflation.

Yet, like spring’s first sprouts, we’re seeing powerful pledges of support emerge. Consumers are rediscovering the power their dollars hold. Shopping locally has become a form of activism that nourishes both our bodies and communities. Last year, our community contributed about $10 million in sales directly to local producers through our seasonal farmers markets—an astonishing figure that showcases our commitment to local food. We hope to see you at the farmers market on opening day to dish out hugs, enjoy delicious food and support our local farmers.

What to know about our farmers markets

The Boulder Farmers Market will take place every Saturday starting April 5 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and every Wednesday starting May 7 from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Right at the heart of downtown Boulder on 13th and Canyon, it is easily accessible by bike or public transportation.

The Longmont Farmers Market will begin on April 5. The market runs every Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Boulder County Fairgrounds and offers plenty of free parking.

Remember: all of our markets are pet-free, so be sure to leave your furry family members at home (but feel free to bring them a treat when you return!).

We’re hosting more than 170 vendors at our markets this year, from seasoned veterans to brand new businesses.

In Longmont, we’re thrilled to welcome back Moxie Bread Co. — a Boulder County favorite — to the market this season, among others. Boulder customers can expect to enjoy a new tempeh producer, Little House of Tempeh, at the Saturday market, as well as a host of exciting new vendors on Wednesday evenings, like Chin Dribbling Asian Fusion Sauces and De Los Andes Empanadas. If you’re curious to learn more, you can check out a full list of our vendors on our website.

As local, producer-only markets, we feature all Colorado grown, made or raised products.

For these first few weeks of April, expect to see a lot of green: salad greens, microgreens, and plant starts tend to steal the show, though our vendors who grow in heated greenhouses can provide early tomatoes and cucumbers in the spring. Many farmers also bring stored crops like potatoes, onions, turnips and garlic. Then, of course, there’s meat, cheese and pantry products that are available all year round!

Join our local food movement

Last month, Boulder County Farmers Markets released a three-year strategic plan that offers a bold reimagining of our work to create a better future for our farmers, ranchers and local food consumers. From running markets to leading a movement, we’re doubling down on our commitment to agriculture and using our platform to create a better food system for us all.

Our priorities include creating our own advocacy and policy framework to protect farmers and issues that matter most to them, educating our community on the importance of preserving local agriculture and supporting farmers, creating a year-round farmers market and more. Now is an excellent time to join us in creating a meaningful and positive impact on our community both at the markets and beyond.

You can read our plan and learn how to get involved at bcfm.org/about/strategic-plan/.