Favorable temps helps farmers' markets

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - While a prolonged drought has hit midwest farmers hard this summer, local growers have not experienced any weather issues of their own.

Plump blueberries are a sign of a good summer and local grower Scott Millar is fortunate for the good weather.

"We've had plenty of moisture, especially this June, you know, water isn't really a problem at all for us," Millar said.

At the Goddard Park Warwick Farmers' Market, others agree with Millar. Local farmer Rebecca Musher said the wet June may have delayed affects, but, overall her plants and produce have had no problems.

"The growth season has been going very great, a little late this year because of the weather, but everything has been growing really well...blueberries are amazing," she said.

While local growers are fortunate, they are also sympathetic for farmers in drought stricken states such as Texas and Oklahoma.

"It's terrible, especially if you have too much water or not enough. It becomes very difficult to manage that," Millar said.

With favorable weather for Southern New England, farmers' markets have been a busy place. Customers support local farmers by making a trip to buy the fresh fruits and vegetables.

"It's very social and I love the produce, plants, everything," one customer said.

Goddard Park is just one of the nine farmers' market locations run by the Department of Environmental Management. Last week, the department opened a new market at State Pier Nine in Newport.