There was a time when the purpose of a farmers market might have been to sell produce directly to people in an economically challenged area in an effort to be socially responsible and stem hunger. Today farmers markets are thriving in all areas and are a great way for smaller farmers to be able to get their produce and products to consumers.
Typically one can find vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, breads, jams, cheeses, juices, local specialty foods and crafts at a farmers market. Hey, you can get those things at the grocery store! So why do people go to a farmers market? Here are just some of the reasons:
- to obtain fresh produce, directly from the farm
- to obtain organic and pesticide-free produce
- to support local farmers
- to support the local economy
Sometimes the prices at a farmers market are cheaper than at typical stores, but not always. Although the participants are exempt from Arizona sales tax and eliminate some middlemen by selling direct to consumers at the market, their expenses in producing high quality produce in a small farm environment are high. In any case, the farmers market experience, for many consumers, isn't just about buying fruits and vegetables. It is also about being able to chat with the growers in a friendly and pleasant environment.
Here in the Phoenix area we may not have over 300 farmers markets as they have in California, but every year it seems that one or two more pop up making them more accessible to more people. Some are open year-round, and some are seasonal.
Farmers used to think of farmers markets as an adjunct to their business--a weekend activity to supplement the farm income. Not any more. Farmers' markets are no longer a place for large corporate growers to dump excess produce. It is much more about smaller farmers having found a way to compete in an increasingly difficult and very competitive business. Small-scale producers are using farmers markets as a way to develop their products and marketing skills in order to eliminate the costs of being a wholesale producer. Retailing directly to consumers has given some small farmers a new outlook while bringing communities closer. In this way the small farmers can also play a significant role in the economic revitalization of the areas that they serve.
To further support the development of farmers' markets, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created the Farmer Direct Marketing Action Plan to assist small farmers with gross receipts of less than $250,000 per year. The program includes training for the small farmers and a one-stop-shop for information about selling products directly to consumers.
Page 1: What is a Farmers Market?
Page 2: Where Are Farmers Markets in the Phoenix Area?
Page 3: Arizona Farmers Market Nutrition Program
