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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 Helena farmers market 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: 39
Estimated 2007 revenue at Montana farmers' markets: $1.4 million

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.
2000 USDA Farmers' Market Study Statistics
  • Farmers' markets are an important source of revenue. 19,000 farmers reported selling their produce only at farmers' markets.
  • 82 percent of markets are self-sustaining; market income is sufficient to pay for all costs associated with the operation of the market (not including grant or in-kind support).
  • 58 percent of markets participate in WIC coupon, food stamps, local and/or State nutrition programs.
  • 25 percent of markets participate in gleaning programs aiding food recovery organizations in the distribution of food and food products to needy families.
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.