USDA Survey Shows Rise in Winter Farmers Markets
December 19, 2011 According to Kathleen Merrigan, agriculture deputy secretary, the updated National Farmers Market Directory indicates that the number of farmers markets has increased by 38%. Defined as a market that operates at least once between November and March, the number has risen from 886, recorded in 2010, to 1,225. These winter markets account for nearly 17% of the nation’s 7,222 operating farmers markets.
“Consumers are looking for more ways to buy locally grown food throughout the year,” explains Merrigan. “Through winter markets, American farmers are able to meet this need and bring in additional income to support their families and businesses.”
The ability to have farmers markets in the winter has been expanded by the adoption of hoop house technology. This tool, which extends production seasons at a low cost, has allowed growers to produce locally-grown products for longer time periods in colder climates.
The states leading the pack with the number of farmers markets are as follows, with the first number representing the current data vs. that recorded in 2010:
1. New York 180 152
2. California 153 137
3. Pennsylvania 78 35
4. North Carolina 73 53
5. Ohio 50 34
6. Maryland 48 30
7. Florida 46 31
8. Massachusetts 43 30
9. Virginia* 40 21
10. Michigan* 33 19
* New to the top 10 list.
This information was obtained from a December 15, 2011, press release.