Aug 03, 2012
Urban farmers markets across the US have become increasingly popular over the past few years and are now surging and expanding at unseen levels, according the the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA will announce Friday that the number of direct-sales markets has increased 9.6 per cent over the past year.
"Farmers markets are a critical ingredient to our nation's food system," USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan told the Associated Press. "These outlets provide benefits not only to the farmers looking for important income opportunities, but also to the communities looking for fresh, healthy foods."
After 18 years of steady growth, the number of farmers markets across the country now registered with the USDA is up to 7,864 -- compared to the 1,744 registered in 1994. California and New York currently have the greatest amount of farmers markets per state.
The USDA recently made markets more accessible to low income families by outfitting many markets with the ability to accept payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which have allowed markets to reach broader communities with sustainable foods.
The mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast saw the biggest percentage growth in markets, reporting 15.8, 14.4 and 13.1 per cent increases.
The USDA currently provides an online searchable database of farmers markets across the country with links to market websites: https://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/
Why Your Ongoing Support Is Essential
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Our work is licensed under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0). Feel free to republish and share widely.
Urban farmers markets across the US have become increasingly popular over the past few years and are now surging and expanding at unseen levels, according the the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA will announce Friday that the number of direct-sales markets has increased 9.6 per cent over the past year.
"Farmers markets are a critical ingredient to our nation's food system," USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan told the Associated Press. "These outlets provide benefits not only to the farmers looking for important income opportunities, but also to the communities looking for fresh, healthy foods."
After 18 years of steady growth, the number of farmers markets across the country now registered with the USDA is up to 7,864 -- compared to the 1,744 registered in 1994. California and New York currently have the greatest amount of farmers markets per state.
The USDA recently made markets more accessible to low income families by outfitting many markets with the ability to accept payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which have allowed markets to reach broader communities with sustainable foods.
The mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast saw the biggest percentage growth in markets, reporting 15.8, 14.4 and 13.1 per cent increases.
The USDA currently provides an online searchable database of farmers markets across the country with links to market websites: https://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/
Urban farmers markets across the US have become increasingly popular over the past few years and are now surging and expanding at unseen levels, according the the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA will announce Friday that the number of direct-sales markets has increased 9.6 per cent over the past year.
"Farmers markets are a critical ingredient to our nation's food system," USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan told the Associated Press. "These outlets provide benefits not only to the farmers looking for important income opportunities, but also to the communities looking for fresh, healthy foods."
After 18 years of steady growth, the number of farmers markets across the country now registered with the USDA is up to 7,864 -- compared to the 1,744 registered in 1994. California and New York currently have the greatest amount of farmers markets per state.
The USDA recently made markets more accessible to low income families by outfitting many markets with the ability to accept payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which have allowed markets to reach broader communities with sustainable foods.
The mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast saw the biggest percentage growth in markets, reporting 15.8, 14.4 and 13.1 per cent increases.
The USDA currently provides an online searchable database of farmers markets across the country with links to market websites: https://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/
We've had enough. The 1% own and operate the corporate media. They are doing everything they can to defend the status quo, squash dissent and protect the wealthy and the powerful. The Common Dreams media model is different. We cover the news that matters to the 99%. Our mission? To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. How? Nonprofit. Independent. Reader-supported. Free to read. Free to republish. Free to share. With no advertising. No paywalls. No selling of your data. Thousands of small donations fund our newsroom and allow us to continue publishing. Can you chip in? We can't do it without you. Thank you.