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);
The
top 10 states for number of recorded farmers’ markets in 2011 were spread
across the country:
California (729 markets); New
York (520); Michigan (349); Illinois (305); Ohio
(278); Pennsylvania (266); Massachusetts
(255); Iowa (237); Wisconsin
(231); and North Carolina
(217).
Of
the total number of farmers’ markets reported by market managers, nearly 12
percent indicate they have the capability of accepting SNAP (formerly known as
food stamp) benefits onsite. This represents a 16 percent increase in the
number of markets accepting SNAP benefits since 2010. While SNAP redemption
data are not available for farmers’ markets specifically, the USDA Food and
Nutrition Service recently reported that SNAP redemptions in 2010 totaled $7.5
million at all certified farmers’ market and direct-to-consumer food retail
establishments. Program participants made 453,711 purchases at farmers markets
and direct farm marketing outlets nationwide, with an average purchase amount
of $16.69.
The
USDA National Farmers Market Directory is available online.
Since the beginning of 2011,
the site has had more than 1.8 million page views. Users can search for markets
based on location, available products, and types of payment accepted, including
participation in federal nutrition programs. Additionally, new features allow directory
users to locate markets based on proximity to zip code and to see links to
active farmers’ market websites. Customized datasets can also be built for
website and application designers.
