Farmers Markets More Popular

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the number of farmers markets in the U.S. is up more than 13% from a year ago. A recent update of the online Farmers Market Directory (ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets) lists 5,274 markets nationwide, up from 4,685 reported in 2008.

“Farmers markets assure that consumers have easier access to local fruits and vegetables and this growth demonstrates incredible interest consumers have in purchasing from local producers,” said Vilsack. “Farmers market also connects the community to the local farmers who produce the fresh food, and play an important role in the direct marketing of produce to local consumers.”