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Best Farmers' Markets Near Orange County

farmer market 610
(credit: Peter Bernik/shutterstock)

Before a farmer can sell their good at a farmers market, the local Agriculture Department agency checks to make sure the farmer grows the produce they are selling. The California Certified Farmers' Market is a real thing, and when looking for a farmer's market, taking this into consideration means you are buying produce and goods from a California grower. Here are some of the best farmers' markets in Orange County.

farmers market park anaheim packing
(Credit: Laura Z./yelp)

Farmers Park Market
Anaheim Packing District
412 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA
www.downtownanaheim.com

The certified farmers market is back for the summer at the Anaheim Packing House on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The urban market is a community that takes on the goods of local growers and ranchers along with gourmet artisan foods and craft vendors. The two-acre Farmers Park is a redwood boardwalk, community garden and olive grove. They "promote a healthy and safe environment" at the farmers market, where there are a few key points to remember. There are no pets allowed, no smoking, no bicycling, no skateboarding and no soliciting. The family-friendly environment is an open-air market where you can buy locally from farmers that provide fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods.

farmer market
(credit: Zigzag Mountain Art/shutterstock)

Certified Farmers Market: Corona Del Mar
3201 Pacific Coast Highway
Marguerite & Pacific Coast Highway
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 361-0735
Corona Del Mar Market

Since 1996, the farmers market in Corona Del Mar has been held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The California Federation of Certified Farmers' Market is affiliated with the event that offers prepared food, honey, fresh fish, fruits, vegetables and flower from the premier growers that are local to San Clemente.

orange county great park farmer's market
(credit: Kristina G./yelp)

The Great Park in Irvine
Orange County Great Park
6950 Marine Way
Irvine, CA 92618
(714) 733-3167
cityofirvine.org

Every Sunday, rain or shine, the locals of Irvine can gather at the Orange County Great Park for the produce and fun. The fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables along with live music, entertainment and handcrafted artisan products are all available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are free health and wellness services available at the monthly clinic on the second Sunday of every month. Dogs and pets are welcome, too!

Related:  15 Best Restaurants In Orange County

farmer market
(credit: Lynn Watson/shutterstock)

Farmer Mark - Newport Beach Pier
70 Newport Pier
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 644-3309
farmermark.com

Get the ultimate Southern California experience at the Newport Beach Pier farmers market. This staple location is one that locals and tourists visit regularly not just for the ambiance and environment, but for the fresh products and variety. With the goal of cultivating "the best conditions for small farmers to sell the freshest and most nutritious produce direct to the community," the Farmer Mark is a certified farmers market. Don't miss it Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

farmer market
(credit: Zigzag Mountain Art/shutterstock)

Orange County Farm Bureau
El Camino Real & Third St.
Tustin, CA 92781
ocfarmbureau.org

Some of the best reasons to shop local include the concept of direct marketed produce goes through a short marketing channel from grower to consumer. Because of that farmers can set their own prices, sales are in cash and it makes it possible for the farmers to sell their products at the peak of maturity and freshness. The Farm Bureau of Orange County is a non-profit that was established in 1917 that serves the needs of the agriculture community.

Related: Best Places For Unique Donuts In OC

Elle Toussi is a freelance journalist covering all things Southern California. She has traveled extensively to locations in the Middle East in 2013 and 2014 covering the Syrian refugee situation in Jordan. That experience inspired her to become the founder of InOneMinute.org

which uses the power of mobile technology and philanthropy to meet specific needs of women around the world. Her previous work can also be found on Examiner.com

and AXS.com

. Stay up-to-date on her work at Elletoussi.com

.

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