There are more farmer markets in Missouri this year.

"We expect to see 75 or more markets in the state in 1999," said Lloyd Wilson, a marketing specialist with the Missouri Department of Agriculture. "We're seeing a trend to more direct marketing."

Just two years ago, the state had 60 to 65 farmer markets. Dating to the late 1980s, the count was around 50.

Farmer markets opened as early as March, with flowers and seedlings.

Early arrivals at last week's Cape Girardeau Farmers Market went home with fresh strawberries, said Marilyn Peters, president of the Cape Girardeau Farmers Market Association.

There might be a few more strawberries this week at the market at the Plaza Galleria parking lot on Independence.

"And maybe some sugar snaps," said Peters. Sugar snaps are small peas.

This week marks the third week for the market.

The first two weeks, 11 dealers had offered asparagus, lettuce, spinach, strawberries, along with fresh flowers, plants and seedlings, said Peters. "Each week, we'll probably see a few more vegetables."

Green beans are expected by the end of the month.

Some of growers in the association raise tomatoes, corn and other vegetables which won't be available until mid-to-late June.

Farmers markets are popular spots for obtaining summer-fresh vegetables. Cape Girardeau's Farmers Market is no exception.

As many as 200 people shop the market. Many early arrivals visit the stands before they open, then await 3 p.m. "Nothing can be sold until 3 p.m.," said Peters.

As the season progresses, so do the varieties of fruits and vegetables. By midsummer, visitors can find baskets and mounds of green beans, beets, cabbage, cucumbers, potatoes, peaches, turnips, tomatoes, raspberries and rhubarb.

And, more -- blueberries, onions, squash, lettuce and organically grown salad greens.

Flowers and plants are always available.