The Otsiningo Farmers Market sees a great turnout for the opening day. And with the grocery gap in Binghamton farmers continue to emphasize the importance of buying local, maybe even creating a co-op. Our Elyse Mickalonis has more.

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BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. -- It isn’t easy being a farmer.

“It’s all about the weather. It rained a lot last year, ruined a lot of crops,” said Kevin Gorman, Gorman Farm. “We lost all our fall crops, because it flooded.”

But the weather behaved on Saturday for opening day of the Otsiningo Farmers Market. And even though it's still too early for most produce, people stopped by for herbs, maple syrup and locally-raised meat, among other items.

“Produce, fibers, soaps, honeys, really anything you could think of having at a farmers market we have here,” said Erik Krenner, Cross Creek Farm.

Christopher Graham, Binghamton Resident, added, “I appreciate being able to know the people who are growing the things I’m eating.”

Farmers said they like to bring wholesome foods directly to families. They even accept food stamps.

“We do accept EBT benefits. So if you get food stamps you can bring your card down and shop with the venders,” said Niechelle Wade, Otsiningo Farmers Market President.

Many said there is a big difference between buying local and buying from big stores.

"When you come to the farmers market you're helping to build your local economy. You're spending your dollars with local farmers and they’re turning around and spending their dollars within the community,” said Wade.

Now driving distance away is Binghamton, which has a grocery gap and it has people talking about developing a food co-op that would only locally produced products will be sold. Something people here said would be a great thing for the community and farms.

“It’s always a good idea to expand to people who can’t get to you,” said Gorman.

Krenner added, “The area itself is becoming more and more knowledgeable about local foods. To have something like that would educate more people.”

Fresh food from people who care.

The market will continue to be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until November 10th, except during Spiedie Fest.