Compared to 2009, the number of farmers markets in the United States increased by 16 percent according to a report released by the United States Department of Agriculture.
In 2009 there were 5,247 farmers markets across the country while there are 6,132 in 2010. The largest growth was in the Midwest with a 77 percent increase in Missouri, 61 percent in Minnesota and 60 percent in Michigan.
During off-season months there are 886 farmers market in the United States that do not close.
“Seeing such continued strong growth in the number of U.S. farmers markets indicates that regional food systems can provide great economic, social and health benefits to communities across the country,” USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said via statement. He added, “Farmers markets provide fresh, local products to communities across the country while offering economic opportunities for producers of all sizes.
Farmers markets are necessary for the livelihood of small family farms and can play an important role in local economy. One attribute to the change is the consumer’s desire to know where and how food is produced.
Find a Farmer’s Market in your area here.
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