Fruits, vegetables, and lines of customers waiting for fresh eggs are only a few of the things you can find at the Torrance Certified Farmers Market. Held every Tuesday of the year from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. , this market provides a space for shoppers to buy goods from 60 California farms, according to the market’s website.
Rows of booths, multiple food stands, and a stage with live music makeup the Torrance Certified Farmers Market. Citizens of all ages sat at tables to eat, shopped for weekly groceries, and listened to the reggae band performing.
“This is the best weekday market I’ve seen,” said Hector Valencia, a vendor at The Almond Guy, a booth selling farm fresh almonds. “It’s my first time selling here and it’s cool to see people walking around and coming out so early on a Tuesday.”
Valencia said he has worked at many different markets throughout LA County and there’s a wide range of size and attendance. Sometimes a market will be slow and Valencia said he’s “just there to sell” while other markets offer an environment to chat with shoppers and people watch. Valencia said the Torrance Certified Farmers Market would fall under the second category.
The appreciation between farmers and the community goes both ways. Torrance Certified Farmers Market’s manager, Joyce Chan, said that the vast majority of positive feedback the market receives is about the farmers themselves.
“Where else can you get just picked the day before produce on a weekly basis?” said Chan. “The farmers work so hard on the field, and they bring their knowledge of growing to the public.”
The farmers market allows shoppers to converse with the vendors, ask questions, and great fresh goods.
Many shoppers were browsing with family and friends. Don Richards, a local citizen and shopper, said he enjoys coming to the farmers market to “speak with new people” and meet up with old friends.
“The people I come across here are always very nice and friendly,” Richards said. “I like coming here to get outside, plus I love the peaches.”
More information regarding times, scheduling updates, and vendors can be found on the City of Torrance website.
Sam Maddocks
Vendors set up for the morning as early customers stroll through the aisles.
Sam Maddocks
Radicle Roots sets out their sign to entice community customers.
Sam Maddocks
Customers browse through fresh produce at the Torrance Certified Farmers Market.