Every Saturday and Sunday, Campagna Amica (a foundation that promotes local, sustainable agriculture and commerce) and Coldiretti (a publication with a similar scope) sponsor a farmer’s market next to the Circus Maximus. Producers come from all over the Regione Lazio to sell their produce, meat, cheese, honey, and bread. Many also organize visits to their farms back home. Here is who to look for in the market, or even visit on their home turf (I’ve included websites for those who have one, otherwise I have listed a contact phone number):

Apicoltura Angelini Rita: Sells legumes and honeys, has a shop on Via A. Barbazza, 127 in Rome’s Boccea. Tel. 06.61660031.

Azienda Agricola Fabio Di Silvio: Organic produce from Cisterna di Latina. Tel. 335.445730.

Azienda Agricola in Amaseno: This farm raises buffaloes for their milk and meat and makes excellent ricotta and mozzarella di bufala. Their products are sold in Rome at Via Garigliano 68, just off via Salaria. Tel. 3201463317.

Azienda Agricola L’Allegra Pastorella: Stefania Rufini sells ricotta, pecorino, giuncata, yogurt from Magliano Sabina in the Provincia di Rieti. Tel. 389.1203320.

Azienda Agricola Madonna delle Macchie: Producing DOC wines and extra virgin olive oil on the Lazio-Umbria border since 1913.

Azienda Agricola Regina Viarum: The “Queen of Roads”, Via Appia Antica 300 to be exact, is home to this farm that grows seasonal produce.

Azienda Agricola Stocchi: This certified organic cheese producer makes award winning primo sale, caciotta, and pecorino stagionato. Tel. 0746925056.

Azienda Biologica La Bottara: Sells organic legumes from the Provincia di Viterbo. Tel. 0761-423969.

Tenuta dell’Argento: Self certified free range organic beef raised just north of Civitavecchia.

At the moment, the market is scheduled to be held through the end of June. Visit the official website of the Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo here.