Washington, DC
September 19, 2008
AMS 173-08
The number of farmers markets in the United States continues to
grow, reports USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS),
reaching a total of 4,685 in August 2008. This represents a 6.8
percent increase since mid-August 2006, when AMS reported 4,385
farmers markets nationwide.
“More and more consumers are discovering the wide array of
fresh, locally grown produce available at farmers markets,” said
AMS Administrator Lloyd Day. “Another reason for their
popularity is food buyers like the opportunity to interact with
the producers.” Day pointed out since 1994, when AMS began to
track farmers markets, the number of farmers markets nationwide
has grown by nearly 3,000.
AMS focuses on direct-to-consumer marketing issues and
continually updates a comprehensive list of U.S. farmers
markets. The database can be accessed on-line at
http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets.
In March, AMS launched its survey, contacting State Departments
of Agriculture, state farmers market associations and other
direct marketing organizations for information on the 2008
market season. The deadline was July 1.
AMS will continue to update the National Directory of Farmers
Markets Web site. New information about markets and market
contacts should be sent to Velma Lakins, Agricultural Marketing
Specialist, at velma.lakins@usda.gov. Additional background
information on recent market trends is available at
http://www.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets.
AMS also supports farmers markets by conducting research on
emerging trends in farmers’ market operations and practices. AMS
also publishes reference material for distribution to farm
vendors, farmers’ market managers and interested members of the
general public.
AMS coordinates the operation of seasonal farmers markets at
USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and works with the U.S.
Department of Transportation, the Carver Office Building in
Beltsville, Md. and the Bannister Federal Complex in Kansas
City, MO., to help support their farmers markets.
AMS staff analyzes the feasibility of planned renovation or the
construction of projects at several types of food market
facilities, including farmers markets. AMS also develops
conceptual designs of facilities, estimating costs and assessing
expected levels of market patronage. Typically such research is
carried out in concert with state or local governments or
non-profit agencies. |
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