Farmers’ Markets: Recent Developments

Local farmers’ markets have continued to blossom since 2002. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published a National Farmers Market Directory since 1994. In 2002, there were 3,137 operating markets, which increased to 6,132 in 2010. This is a 95 percent increase in markets. Consumers are extremely interested in locally grown food and find a sense of pride in obtaining good wholesome food directly from farmers. Many Americans are embracing the belief that the majority of foods produced in this country are unhealthy and foster obesity. Eating locally available fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain baked goods from farmers’ markets replaces the unhealthy foods with the most flavorful, healthy, and environmentally friendly foods. With many foods in the grocery stores travelling hundreds of miles from farm to plate and massive amounts of energy spent in the United States on processing, transporting, storing, and preparing food, consumers are interested in eating seasonally for thinking “green.” Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the use of pesticides are concerns on consumers’ minds that are set at ease when they are able to talk directly to farmers at markets and ask questions.