Some good news in these challenging times is that we don’t have to do without the wonderful produce from Berkshire farms that always makes the summer and fall seasons so special here.
Virtually all the farm stands, farmers markets, pick-your-own farms and orchards, as well as many restaurants and other retailers, are still offering products grown and otherwise sourced in the Berkshires. The process of purchasing has changed a bit—each of these sellers has developed new rules of engagement to get their products to you safely—but, hey, who’s complaining? As long as we can lay our hands on these local specialties, we’re happy.
The local farm-to-table advocacy group Berkshire Grown reminds us that there are scores of local producers from throughout the Berkshires at weekly farmers markets, where locals and visitors alike can still come to buy even though strict rules of social distancing are being observed. Berkshire Grown supports and promotes local agriculture, and produces an annual, definitive guide to local farms, farm stores and markets as well as locally sourced retailers and restaurants.
We are happy to support Berkshire Grown, and to make the digital version of this guide available to you here. As Berkshire Grown Executive Director Margaret Moulton observes, “Now more than ever, connections to local food and farms hold our community together.” To find all the sellers in your area, check out the Berkshire Grown 2020 Local Guide to Food and Farms. Be safe, be well, enjoy and keep farmers farming!
As summer in the Berkshires gives way to fall, click here for a quick reference to the seasons’ best “Pick Your Own” farms, where you’ll see a map and listing of Berkshire Grown Farm & Business Members. To search, type in key words like “PYO, Pick your own, berries, apples, peaches, pumpkins, etc.” or just click on the filter “Pick Your Own”. Every entry in the list is located on the map; you can click on either the listing or the “map icon” for contacts, physical address and websites (some farms do not have websites). All in all, a very complete listing.
