Forget chefs; farmers are the new stars

The food revolution that turned chefs from no-name cooks into celebrities in Cinderella-like speed has found its new idol.

Farmers are the new rock stars.

"People want to know who is growing, not just cooking, their food," said Cindy Gentry, executive director of Community Food Connections, sponsor of the Downtown Phoenix Public Market. "The small farmer is finally getting the respect and attention they deserve."

Those tired of cucumbers coated with wax and apples picked and shipped from far-away countries are eager to buy direct from the farmer.

The best place to shake hands with those turning local acres into food is at one of the Valley's more than 20 farmers markets, which are gearing up for the abundant fall and winter season. The eggplants may be small, the greens dusted with soil, but the tomatoes actually taste like they should.

It's not easy being a farmer in Arizona. Land and water are pricey, profits small and the long hot season takes its toll.

In fact, there's a shortage of local farmers to staff the Valley markets.

"The only reason we don't have more markets is because the farmers are already stretched thin," said Dee Logan, coordinator for Arizona Community Farmers Markets. "The demand for local produce is more than the supply."

A small, talented group of farmers determined to make a living from the land is bucking the trend. Over the past quarter-century, the state lost almost one-third of its agricultural land, mostly to houses and shops.

"These farmers deserve to be stars," Gentry said. "They are working very hard to make buying local possible."

That's why we've profiled two of more than a dozen local farmers who make buying local possible.

Heirloom tomatoes are the star at Love Grows Farms in Mesa, owned by Michael and Cathy Thompson (and Phaio the dog).