A farmers market is a physical retail marketplace where farmers sell their produce, live animals, and plants directly to consumers. These markets may be indoors or outdoors and typically consist of booths, tables, or stands where farmers sell their products. Farmers markets exist in many countries worldwide and reflect the local culture and economy. The size of the market may be just a few stalls or it may be as large as several city blocks. Due to their nature, they tend to be less rigidly regulated than retail produce shops.
Farmers markets can offer farmers increased profit over selling to wholesalers, food processors, or large grocery firms. By selling directly to consumers, produce often needs less transport, less handling, less refrigeration, and less time in storage. By selling in an outdoor market, the cost of land is also reduced.
Farmers markets are not only a place to buy fresh produce, but they also provide a direct infusion of capital to farmers. In 2017, American farmers received only 17.4 cents of every dollar that people spent on food in this country. At farmers’ markets, farmers make more like 90 cents on the dollar. At a time when small family farms are struggling, this support is especially crucial.
Farmers markets are often open seasonally, but there are year-round markets as well. They can be found in fields, school parking lots, public squares, and other locations. Farmers markets are an integral part of communities, and their food systems, economies, and social networks. They offer a place to connect with neighbors and learn about the food you are buying.
