USDA Announces Growth in Nation's Farmers Markets

USDA announced that the 2010 National Farmers Market Directory lists 6,132 operational farmers markets, according to a press release.  The amount represents an increase of 16 percent over 2009 when 5,274 farmers markets were reported.

Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, stated, "Seeing such continued strong growth in the number of U.S. farmers markets indicates that the regional food systems can provide great economic, social, and health benefits to communities across the country."

The top ten states with the most farmers markets are: California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Massachusetts, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina.

The top ten states with market growth from 2009-2010 by percentage are: Missouri, Idaho, Michigan, Indiana, South Dakota, Arkansas, Washington, Ohio, and Oklahoma.

A chart showing the growth of farmers markets from 1994-2010 is available here.

To read the USDA press release, click here.

Posted: 08/13/2010