Farmers Market (© Photographer: Eyal Nahmias | Agency: Dreamstime.com)

Food safety issues and America's awakening "green" culture are just a couple of the factors driving the surge in fresh and locally grown food sales. Locally grown foods are expected to jump from approximately $4 billion in 2002 to $5 billion in 2007, according to "Local and Fresh Foods in the U.S.", a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts.

Based on the exponential growth of farmers' markets, as well as retail and foodservice initiatives to add more local products to their merchandise mix and menus, Packaged Facts estimates that locally grown foods could turn into a $7 billion business by 2011.

Consumers, equating freshness with higher quality, are increasingly looking toward the perimeter departments of their local supermarkets for fresh foods, which not only include locally grown and organic fruits and vegetables, but fresh meats, seafood, dairy, and baked goods as well.

To read the full press release from MarketResearch.com on the new report go to: Locally Grown Foods Niche Cooks Up at $5 Billion as America Chows Down on Fresh!