June 2009

Farmers’ markets continue to sprout up across state

In less than a year, more than 35 new farmers’ markets have developed in Virginia.
In 2005, the state had 88. By August 2008 there were 134 markets, and today Virginia is home to more than 150.

“The growth in farmers’ markets is being driven by two complementary things. Consumers are wanting to know where their food comes from, and producers are seeing (the markets) as a way to increase profitability,” said Matt Benson, a community viability specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Communities across Virginia are looking at farmers’ markets as a way to attract visitors to their downtown areas, Benson said. “Communities are also looking at it as a way for their consumers to connect with fresh, safe, healthy local foods for their families.”

Last fall the city of Charlottesville estimated that its Saturday farmers’ market grossed more than $1 million for the year. Loudoun County estimated that its five farmers’ markets collectively grossed more than $750,000.

“In Virginia, if people were to just spend a small portion of their household grocery budget, $10 a week, on local fresh fruits and vegetables for one year, that would generate more than $1.65 billion worth of economic activity,” Benson said.