Chris Joyner with USA TODAY has an interesting article about the rise of farmers markets nationwide. Indeed, as Joyner reports, farmers markets have increase 71 percent over the last decade according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics. There were roughly 4,500 farmers markets up and running by the end of July. This represents a five percent increase from a year ago.Joyner cites environmental concern, food safety concern, increased community, and wanting to know where food comes from as the reasons behind the growth. And agriculture experts, farmers, and consumers support the conclusion. The USDA Deputy Secretary Merrigan says the developments in farmers markets are ‘“perfect for us . . . We want to find ways to help people live healthier lifestyles and eat more fruits and vegetables and increase the economic property for farmers.”’
Part of the raised interest in the markets came from First Lady Michelle Obama. As Joyner reports, “Farmers markets got a high-profile boost this month when first lady Michelle Obama gave a speech at the opening of a market in Washington. Obama has made locally grown produce part of her push to get Americans to eat healthier by planting her own garden at the White House.” States with farmers markets from Massachusetts to Utah have experienced growth in their markets and they expect the growth to continue.
Whether the reason is the down economy, environmental concerns over fuel costs associated with transporting to the produce, or simply because people prefer the products, the fact is farmers markets are growing and the trend looks to keep projecting these markets upward.
To read the Joyner article click here.
Posted: 09/28/09
