Celebrating farmers markets: National Farmers Market Week observed

WASHINGTON — National Farmers Market Week was celebrated the first week of August.

“Local and regional food systems, including farmers markets, are critical to the future of the nation’s food system,” said Betsy Rakola, associate deputy administrator at U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Farmers markets provide a unique low-barrier entry point for beginning farmers and ranchers. By selling directly to the consumer, farmers markets can provide higher returns for farmers and ranchers, and the evidence shows that these new farm businesses survive longer than new farm businesses selling strictly wholesale.”

Farmers markets create a place for communities to learn about food sources and build relationships with farmers.

Indiana has almost 200 farmers markets throughout the state, with nearly one in every county. Learn more at www.indianagrown.org/farmers-market.

Farmers Market Survey

The 2019 National Farmers Market Managers Survey shows that there are more than 8,000 farmers markets across the country.

The results showed farm-level benefits for farm vendors, including:

• 67% increased overall production.

• 33% increased the number of workers employed on the farm.

• Nearly 40% were able to sell imperfect products that would otherwise go unsold.

• 77% diversified the types of agricultural products they grew.

Source: USDA