There are plenty of reasons why you should be getting your produce from a local farmer’s market, namely that it’s the best way to support our local growers and help mitigate climate change by sidestepping the CO2 emissions produced when importing fruits and vegetables to our island. If you’re already familiar with our local farmers’ markets, good for you! If not though, there’s no better time than now to do so.

Which Farmers’ Markets and Farm Stands Should You Explore?
Despite how small our island is, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to farmers’ markets and farm stands here in Bermuda. Each boasts a weekly harvest of good, quality produce so it’s really up to you to find one that suits your needs best.

Farmers’ Market at The Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking to explore the largest variety in local produce, as well as shop an abundance of well-made local products, the weekly Farmers’ Market at The Botanical Gardens is your best bet. Choose from fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade candles, healthy juices, baked goods, and more from a diverse group of local vendors. Conveniently located in Paget, the Farmers’ Market at The Botanical Gardens is held every Saturday (8:00 am to 1:00pm) from November to June in the JJ Outerbridge Building. Bonus: There’s always enough parking and you can enjoy the park and gardens while you’re there.

Windy Bank Farm
A favourite among those who live in the east end, Windy Bank Farm is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Malcolm and Julie Grayston-Smith. Every Saturday their farm stand situated alongside their home is bustling with those shopping for quality produce and homemade fare, including Julie’s breads, pestos, dips, soups, and sauces. And bonus, Oakly the family’s terrier is happy to accept love and attention from the farm’s loyal customers. Visit Windy Bank Farm at 3 Windy Bank, Middle Road in Smith’s on Saturdays from 6:30 am-12:30 pm.

J&J Produce
Since 1979, the Hill family has grown quality local produce, herbs, and beautiful flowers to share with customers who visit their farm stand on South Shore in Devonshire. Those who shop weekly at the conveniently located stand will tell you that variety of produce available and great customer service is what keeps them coming back time and time again. The family even hosts pumpkin picking events for kids in the fall and sells Christmas trees in the winter. The farmstand is open every Saturday from 7:30 am until 2:00 pm in Novemeber to mid-June, and is located across from the entrance to Ariel Sands. Note that J&J Produce only accepts cash at their roadside stand.

Amaral Farms
For generations, the Amaral family has planted and harvested some of Bermuda’s best and tastiest produce and most beautiful flowers too. Those who visit the roadside market every Saturday know that what they’re getting is quality, nutritious food grown by a family with more expertise in agriculture than most. The Amaral Farms Market is located on Middle Road in Devonshire, across from the entrance to Garthowen Estate, and is open every Saturday from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm.

Wadson’s Farm
Located in Southampton, Wadson’s Farm spans 30-acres and grows every kind of local produce a herbivore could dream of – in fact, it’s where many of the island’s restaurants source their local ingredients. In addition to their award-winning produce, their livestock (including sheep, pigs, chickens, and other poultry) is pasture-raised without the use of chemicals. If you live in the west end of the island, Wadson’s Farm is conveniently situated for you and open every day except Sunday.

What Should You Bring Along
A good rule of thumb when visiting any farmers’ market is to bring with you a reusable bag or two. While some of them have plastic or paper bags that customers can carry out, it’s best not to create waste if you don’t have to. If you plan on buying cold items like chilled soups or sauces, take along a separate insulated bag or cooler and if buying potted flowers or herbs, make sure there’s enough room in your car for them so they don’t get crushed by accident.