Ahmad (Simba) Baratti stands with partner Becca Bernard, local farmers who run the Dixon Farmer's Market from 5 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday. Photo courtesy of Becca Bernard

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Where can you find plump produce and community connections while helping sustain local soil?

Answer: the Dixon Farmer's Market on Thursday nights. 

Becca Bernard and her partner, Ahmad (Simba) Baratti, the farm and market manager, consider it an honor to feed residents the finest fruits and vegetables farmed locally for several reasons, including health.

“There is ample scientific evidence showing that eating healthier correlates with a longer life expectancy,” Bernard said, adding that there are worldwide “blue zones” where people live the longest due to diet. “Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other natural foods is the secret to a healthier life.”

While Bernard said the duo's primary goal is to increase awareness and access to fresh, unprocessed foods, it is also about variety.

“We work with dozens of farmers and vendors to provide a diverse selection of locally grown and made foods,” Bernard said.

The Dixon Farmer's Market every Thursday night offers a wide range of fruits and vegetables grown locally. Photo courtesy of Becca Bernard

Diversity breeds connection in the market. According to Bernard, farmers who sell directly to residents receive high-quality feedback from their customers through weekly interactions. 

“We love hearing about the delicious recipes our customers create with the ingredients they buy from us,” Bernard said. “These relationships lead to many possibilities, including customer suggestions for new crops to grow or introducing you to unique varieties of vegetables.”

Beyond local love is cost. Bernard said farmers make only 15 cents per product, with the rest going to retail costs. Buying directly from local farmers offers fresher produce while local economic sustainability, especially for young farmers.

“We're experiencing a cultural shift, returning to the traditions of our ancestors and becoming stewards of the land once again,” Bernard said. “We must think not just one or two seasons ahead but for our great-grandchildren seven generations down the road, who will rely on this same soil for sustenance.”

A colorful spread of fresh-made focaccia, hummus and dips, cucumbers, heirloom tomatoes and basil can be found at the Dixon Market. Photo courtesy of Becca Bernard

Doing so entails eating less big-box and more local. By shopping at farmers markets, Bernard said, patrons become a part of the sustainability cycle, stewarding the land. 

“The sweetness of a peak-season strawberry or a juicy fig bursting from the skin in summer is unmatched,” Bernard said. “Although it can be challenging to adjust to seasonal eating, it makes the return of our favorite fruits and vegetables that much more special.”

Along with a longer life and local sustainability, there are undeniable connections among those wandering through the farmer's market on Thursday nights. Bernard will be the first to talk about the serendipitous encounters between marketgoers.

“About 10 years ago, a mutual friend introduced me to Simba at the Davis farmers market,” Bernard said. “Over the years, our friendship blossomed into a relationship, and now, seven years later, we work together to connect communities with the farmers who grow their food.”

Fast-forward and the couple cannot express enough gratitude to the weekly regulars who support the local small businesses and farmers. 

Becca Bernard stands with Pal, the honorary farmer’s market mascot, and Victoria of Sunflowers and Sage Herb Farm. Photo courtesy of Becca Bernard

“We love chatting with you, saying hi to your kiddos and dogs, and seeing you interact with each other to foster a community of care and concern,” Bernard said. “The community becomes an extended family, allowing us to check in on each other and share life updates about the grandkids or your most recent road trips.”