The Cyclospora outbreak has not stopped people from buying produce. Instead of supermarkets, local customers are opting for farmers markets.
Sara Hill, executive director of the Ohio Farmers Market Network, said foot traffic and sales at farmers markets across the state have increased by more than 100%. Farmers and market managers are working to keep up with the demand, Hill said.
"Our farmers are quick to pivot on their feet and adjust what they're planting, how they're planting it and when they're planting it, to ensure that consumers are receiving what they need," Hill said.
However, Suzie Ebenhack, co-owner of Ebenhack Farms in Columbus who sells produce at the Upper Arlington Farmers Market, said it's not as simple as planting more seeds.
"Unfortunately with farming we can't just turn on a dime and be like 'oh everybody's buying lettuce, let's plant a bunch more lettuce.' It takes weeks, sometimes months to bring stuff to the market," Ebenhack said. "But, we can adjust how much we bring."
Hill said the growing demand for local produce is owed to the trust customers can build with local farmers.
"You as the consumer, are able to look the person that grew your food right in the eye, and you're able to shake their hand and ask them about their growing practices," Hill said.
Violet Binkley, an employee for Rock Dove Farm in West Jefferson, sells produce at the Upper Arlington Farmer Market. She said she has noticed more customers asking questions about where the produce is sourced from and is able reassure customers that there are no traces of cyclospora.
Tom Sappington, a shopper at the Upper Arlington Farmers Market, said he has been buying more local produce since the outbreak started.
"Everything's so fresh and all the people are so friendly," Sappington said. "More care goes into it...than the big box stores."
Hill said another reason local produce can be trusted more is because of the short supply chain.
"You don't have all these other people touching or all these other processes happening," Hill said. "It is field to hand within 24 hours, minimal contact."
Ebenhack said along with product tracing, washing stations and routine testing, she makes sure to train her employees well to ensure proper handling.
"We're extremely careful with everything we do at our farm," Ebenhack said. "We know exactly where any product is picked...so we can always trace back if there is something that does happen."
The growth in sales has affected more than just farmers, said Jay Bennet, owner of DrankTank, who sells a variety of drinks at the Upper Arlington Farmers Market.
"Even though we do not sell produce, the more traffic into the market always gives us a chance to get eyes on what we do," Bennet said.
Hill and Ebenhack hope that customer interest in local produce lasts beyond the outbreak and continues to bring more sales and foot traffic at farmers markets.
"[Farmers] are always here if you have concerns, we're happy to answer anything," Ebenhack said. "Get to know us, we are here all season long."
More information, and a full list of farmers markets in the Columbus area can be found on the Experience Columbus website.
