Years ago, the serious “Foodie” might not have ranked Arizona as high on the quality and quantity of Farmers Markets in Arizona. But that’s changed.

Nationally, farmers markets have almost doubled from 4,685 in 2008 to 7,864 in 2012. 2013 is expected to reflect the continuing growth of farmers markets throughout the United States.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “Farmers markets are an integral part of the urban/farm linkage and have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. Farmers markets allow consumers to have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce, enables farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers, and cultivate consumer loyalty with the farmers who grow the produce.”

“Local” is the catch phrase spurring the continued growth in farmers markets. Though the term has a geographic connotation, there is no consensus on what clearly defines local. But for Arizona Farm Bureau, a statewide organization, we define “local” as being within our state’s borders.

Since 2007, we’ve maintained a listing of our state’s farmers markets. Soon, we’ll be able to roll out on our www.fillyourplate.org website a searchable directory of Arizona’s Farmers markets. The idea behind this new tool, versus a static list, is that the participant can search by city to determine which one they want to go to. We keep the list regularly updated too!

At last count, Arizona Farm Bureau’s listing had close to 100 farmers markets. And while this number in no way represents all the farmers markets in Arizona, it reflects a solid number in this state.

Farmers Markets Phoenix: They’re here to Stay

The Arizona Farm Bureau list of Farmers Markets in Arizona lists several farmers markets in Phoenix. One referenced often is the Downtown Phoenix Market. You want a variety of farm product? Then you need to check out the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market.

Another great Farmers Market in Phoenix is Town and Country Farmers’ Market

Phoenix farmers markets in some ways can claim to have set the gold standard for Farmers Markets in Arizona.

Farmers Markets Scottsdale: Plenty to See here too!

Farmers Markets in Scottsdale include the Borgata of Scottsdale Market, Old Town Farmers’ Market and Valley of the Sun Farmers’ Market

Farmers Markets Tucson: You’ll find one to Your Liking

Tucson has a variety of Farmers Markets and its best to check Arizona Farm Bureau’s Farmers Market Arizona listing for a variety of choices.

How Our Arizona Farmers Markets Rank

While we couldn’t find a source that gives us thumbs up or thumbs down on how our Arizona Farmers Markets rank, Arizona Farm Bureau can tell you lots about ours. And, in our eyes (and tummies) they rank at the top.

Arizona Farm Bureau staff and other Farm Bureau members regularly visit our Farmers markets throughout the state and have uncovered a vast variety of wonderful produce and local meats. Additionally, some special artisan foods can be found at our farmers markets in Arizona.

What you’ll come to love about Arizona Farmers Markets is the year-around variety that is not common in most other states (with the exception of California and Florida). Our Arizona climate lets on plant and harvest every month of the year. So in Arizona, you can attend an open-air farmers market in January where a vast array of winter vegetables can be found.

Says one Farm Bureau member, “I love our farmers markets because of the year-around opportunities for shopping the local markets. I’ve become very dependent on visiting the one nearest me no matter what time of the year it is.”

Visit a farmers market near you and decide for yourself how the market ranks. Arizona Farm Bureau members can often enjoy a 5 to 10% discount with certain farmers. So if you’re a member, don’t hesitate to ask the farmer at the market whether he honors Farm Bureau membership discounts. 

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