National & Montana Farmers' Market Facts
Direct marketing of farm products through farmers' markets continues
to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide.
Farmers' markets, now an integral part in the
urban/farm linkage, have
continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest
in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. The number of farmers'
markets nationally grows every year, and this growth clearly indicates
that farmers' markets are meeting the needs of a growing number of farmers
with small- to medium-size operations.
Montana Farmers' Market Facts
Number of Montana farmers' markets: 54
Estimated 2010 revenue at Montana farmers' markets: $2.2 million
National Data
- According to the USDA, as of mid-2010, there were 6,132 farmers markets operating throughout the U.S. This is a 16 percent increase from 2009. Click here for more information.
Who benefits from Farmers' Markets?
- Small farm operators: Those with less than $250,000 in annual receipts who work and manage their own operations meet this definition (94 percent of all farms).
- Farmers and consumers: Farmers have direct access to markets to supplement farm income. Consumers have access to locally grown, farm-fresh produce and the opportunity to personally interact with the farmer who grows the produce.
- The Community: Many urban communities where fresh, nutritious foods are scarce gain easy access to food. Farmers markets also help to promote nutrition education, wholesome eating habits, and better food preparation, as well as boosting the community's economy.
Additional Information
More National Farmers' Markets Facts.
For additional assistance with Montana Farmers'
Markets, please contact the Montana Department of Agriculture at (406)
444-5424, or by email at agr@mt.gov.
