More Farmers’ Markets Nationwide

Enlarge Image Image Gallery More farmers markets means more choices for fresh, local produce. iStockphoto.com/Elena Aliaga

More than 1,000 new farmers markets have been recorded across the country, according to results released recently in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's 2011 National Farmers Market Directory.

The annual report indicates a total of 7,175 farmers’ markets operate throughout the United States as more farmers are marketing their products directly to consumers than ever before. Last year, the USDA reported that 6,132 markets were operating across the country.

"The remarkable growth in farmers’ markets is an excellent indicator of the staying power of local and regional foods," says Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. "These outlets provide economic benefits for producers to grow their businesses and also to communities by providing increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other foods. In short, they are a critical ingredient in our nation's food system."

Updated market listings were submitted to USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service by farmers’ market managers on a voluntary, self-reported basis between April 18 and June 24, as part of USDA's annual outreach effort. USDA invited market managers to submit desired changes in their market's directory profile as well as new market listings. Information in the directory is also continually updated throughout the year in response to incoming requests.

The 2011 National Farmers Market Directory results were released for National Farmers Market Week this week (August 7-13) as declared by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

The directory reveals that several states have experienced rapid growth in farmers’ markets since 2010, reflecting a growing interest outside of the far west and northeast states, where the popularity of farmers’ markets is more well-established. Alaska and Texas ranked at the top for most growth in farmers’ markets at 46 and 38 percent, respectively. The top 10 list for growth includes:

Alaska (35 markets, up 46 percent); Texas (166 markets, up 38 percent); Colorado (130 markets, up 38 percent); New Mexico (80 markets, up 38 percent); Indiana (171markets, up 37 percent); Oklahoma (61 markets, up 32 percent); South Dakota (29 markets, up 32 percent); Pennsylvania (266 markets, up 31 percent); Ohio (278 markets, up 31 percent); and Michigan (349 markets, up 30 percent);