Draper » It's easy to miss this produce market, tucked back from the highway with subdivisions on all sides.

If motorists are looking, they can spot a homemade sign at 738 W. 12300 South that boasts Utah tomatoes, "picked daily," green beans and canning beets grown with "no pesticides."

Twin brothers Randy and Roland Kuwahara, 53, remember when they could see all the way west to the Oquirrh Mountains -- a time without a single housing development blocking their view.

Today, the Kuwaharas are among the few surviving farmers whose produce is becoming more in demand as city folk begin to embrace buying locally produced food. The benefits go directly into the state's economy and to enhance the taste of the cuisine on their customers' dinner tables.

But as that demand grows, Utah has fewer farmers to satisfy it.

Robert Seegmiller, fresh-produce sales director for locally owned Harmons grocery chain, said the challenge in supplying customers with such products is finding the farmers. As farmland gives way to developments, "we've had to go farther north and farther south."

In the past 40 years, Utah has lost more farmland than the combined landmass of Rhode Island and Delaware.

Despite the growing demand, the Kuwaharas say they must compete with cheaper, factory-farm produce from out of state and overseas -- sometimes with no labels stating its origin. The Utah's Own label at farmers markets, roadside produce stands and grocery chains designates locally produced products.

"If people want to help local farmers stay in business, they can help by making sure that what they buy is from Utah," said Roland Kuwahara.

The Kuwaharas moved to Draper from the Holladay area in the 1970s after their father, Kazz, was forced to sell the family farm to make way for Interstate 215. They believe that loss hastened their father's death at age 59.

The brothers began selling from a tent alongside 12300 South. They eventually opened a produce market, selling their own row-crop vegetables, along with other farmers' produce, such as Green River watermelons and cantaloupes.

Their only advertising as been the road sign and word of mouth.

"We've shopped here since I was a little girl," said Rachele Fontaine, on a visit to her parents from her home in Lander, Wyo. Fontaine picked up boxes of beets and green beans to can; on her next trip, she'll stop by for cases of peaches and carrots.

Susan and Roger Gailey of Riverton prefer the taste of fresh produce, and they appreciate the picking job the Kuwaharas have given to their teenage daughter.

The Kuwaharas harvest crops on their 15-acre plot, and they act as brokers for a dozen other growers. They sell to Harmons, Macey's and Dan's grocery chains, and to other locally owned supermarkets, including Dick's Market and Peterson's Marketplace.

Angel Shannon, senior marketing specialist for Associated Foods, a grocery cooperative, said it can be difficult for small farmers to keep up with demand, and it takes extra time to deal with multiple growers.

Farmers markets also are chasing a limited number of growers, said Richard Sparks with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. This year the number has grown to 35 -- double last year's number.

dawn@sltrib.com