By Julie Murphree, Arizona Farm Bureau
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported earlier this month that farmers markets are on the rise across the nation, a trend Arizona Farm Bureau has already picked up on.
The USDA reported that more than 5,200 farmers markets operate nationwide, a 13 percent increase since the end of last year.
The USDA supports farmers markets as a part of its “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative, encouraging local buying. In a press release, Agriculture Secretary of the USDA Tom Vilsack said farmers markets are easily accessible for locals. “This growth demonstrates incredible interest consumers have in purchasing from local producers,” Vilsack said.
Nationally, farmers markets have increased in popularity during the economic downturn. At a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern, farmers markets have been able to prosper as a source for “healthy, fresh, locally grown food,” Vilsack said.
But, farmers markets are struggling with featuring enough local farmers and ranchers to satisfy consumer demand. Besides the challenges of running a direct-market agriculture operation, farmers and ranchers suggest there may be other issues limiting the availability of local farmers and ranchers.
To show true support of local growers, David Heininger (A.k.a. CheeseChef) from Black Mesa Ranch and a participant on Arizona Farm Bureau’s Fill Your Plate suggests the following:
1. Make sure more farmer/rancher/producers know they are needed, wanted and appreciated at farmers markets. (Then have the markets act like they mean it!)
2. Make it more attractive for quality vendors to join and stay at markets: maximize traffic flow, minimize red tape, top-notch market management communication, fair and equitable fees and practices.
3. Stop protectionist practices for existing vendors at markets that prevent new vendors from joining (been hearing horror stories recently about this one).
4. Encourage producer-only markets or give real incentives to producer-sellers (better stall locations, reduced fees, extra promotion). Educate the public on what this means and why it is important.
5. Ensure that all producer-sellers are really who they say they are and that they are really supplying what they say they are AND that they are permitted/licensed/inspected/etc to produce and sell their goods.
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