Five dozen vendors typically set up for the farmers' market in Middlebury on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The market, which operates from May through October, has seen tremendous growth in recent years.

"Nearly two-thirds of the vendors sell locally produced agricultural products including vegetables, fruits, plants, flowers, and meat and dairy items," said Pam Taylor, the coordinator of Middlebury's outdoor market. "The Middlebury Farmer's Market is especially strong in organic and conventional vegetables, organic meats and eggs, and goat's and cow's milk cheeses."

"The rapid increase in farmers' markets around Vermont is truly extraordinary," said Bruce Hyde, Vermont's tourism marketing commissioner.  "There is a market nearly every day in the state of Vermont."

The farmers' markets help connect Vermonters to the land. "It is easy to see why Vermont leads the country in being the closest producer to consumer of farm products," Hyde said.

"These are incredible outlets for our local producers that make it convenient and easy for all to buy the healthy and nutritious offerings that Vermont farms grow and produce," the tourism commissioner said. "Most of all, the purchase of the local products keeps dollars locally and is a huge factor in preserving Vermont's farm culture -- a must for the future of our state."

More and more people are shopping at farmers' markets throughout Vermont. Last year, for example, the farmers' market in Middlebury sold $351,316 worth of goods. That's up from $303,700 in 2008 and well above the $211,000 the market sold in 2007, Taylor said.

 "As the numbers show, our summer market has experienced tremendous growth over the past three seasons," she said.

Farmers' markets in other parts of Vermont have seen their popularity increase, as well.

"The Poultney market has grown from half a dozen vendors to over 25 this season. The Rutland downtown market has grown from 30 to 55 vendors this season," said Pat Carbonell of the Rutland-based Vermont Farmers Market.

Farmers' markets play an important role in keeping the state's economy locally-based. "Farmers' markets support a locally-focused renewable resource economy. ... Dollars spent at markets stay in the local economy," Carbonell said.

"By supporting local agriculture and business, reaching out to feed the needy, educating the citizenry and bringing consumers into their host communities, Vermont's farmers' markets are truly serving as a positive engine for socio-economic change in our state," Carbonell said.

For listing of farmers' markets throughout Vermont, click here.