El Dorado Hills Connect

Cultivating Community: Inside El Dorado County Certified Farmers’ Market

Cultivating Community: Inside El Dorado County Certified Farmers’ Market

by | Aug 4, 2025

The El Dorado County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (EDCCFMA) has become a cornerstone of local life across El Dorado County. As a non-profit organization, its mission is simple yet impactful: support local agriculture and give residents access to the freshest, most nutritious produce possible. But these aren’t just farmers’ markets—they’re community hubs where local pride, fresh food, and friendly faces come together each week.

With a farm-to-table focus, the EDCCFMA ensures everything sold is grown, harvested, and sold by local farmers—often picked just hours before market time. This direct connection guarantees not only the best taste and nutrition but also strengthens the local agricultural economy, ensuring small farms thrive.

Certified Fresh: Trust You Can Taste

Every market under the EDCCFMA umbrella is certified through the California Certified Farmers’ Markets program, meaning the goods sold come directly from producers. No middlemen, no repackaging, and no mystery.

This transparency builds trust with shoppers and ensures that every fruit, vegetable, and local good on the table is authentic, fresh, and grown with care. It’s a guarantee of quality—and a reason these markets have become trusted staples in every participating community.

Where and When to Find the Markets

The EDCCFMA operates four markets across El Dorado County, each serving a distinct area on a different day of the week:

  • Placerville MarketSaturdays: A lively downtown hub with deep roots in the region’s agricultural past.

  • El Dorado Hills MarketSundays: Now relocating to the Community Center starting March 30, 2025, providing better accessibility and more space for vendors and visitors.

  • South Lake Tahoe MarketTuesdays: A fresh escape for residents and tourists alike in the beautiful Tahoe basin.

  • Cameron Park MarketWednesdays: A midweek stop for fresh produce and community catch-ups.

This diverse scheduling allows both shoppers and farmers flexibility while providing multiple opportunities each week to shop local. Whether you’re prepping for the weekend or stocking up midweek, there’s always a market close by.

Why Buy Local? The Real Benefits

Supermarket produce can sit in transit for days or weeks. But at EDCCFMA markets, the “just picked” produce offers:

  • Peak flavor and nutrition

  • Longer shelf life

  • Competitive pricing

  • Direct support to local farmers

More importantly, these markets cut out the middleman, allowing farmers to earn a fair wage for their labor and love. You’re not just buying food—you’re investing in your community.

Building Community, One Bag of Produce at a Time

These markets do more than fill your fridge—they fill your calendar with connection. Regular shoppers often chat with farmers about growing methods, recipe ideas, and seasonal specialties. These conversations create real relationships and foster a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from.

Meanwhile, the markets themselves become neighborhood gathering spots, where locals exchange stories, meet friends, and create shared traditions. For many families, market day is more than a chore—it’s a celebration of community and good living.

Header Image Source: eldoradofarmersmarket.com
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