Farmers market are more popular than ever . According to the USDA , there are8,144 farmers ’ marketsacross the nation — up from 1,755 in 1994 . While the explosive increment is near news for foodie and Farmer , the bounty of choice can make it hard for market to stand out .
Here are seven markets across the commonwealth that are breaking the mold with tonic ideas that can be adapted to your local market .
1.Wild Food + Herb Market(Carrboro, N.C.)
When the Wild Food + Herb Market open in 2013 , it was the first forage nutrient market in the nation . The marketplace is held on Sunday afternoons from March to November , and vendors let in a mix of herb doctor , forager and wild - solid food agriculturist selling products not found at traditional markets . To educate market - goer about wild - food identification and foraging , the market hosts workshops and cooking demonstrations . In addition to cash transactions , the market encourage trading .
Lesson:
sell quirky offer like foraged solid food and medicinal herb alongside meat and give rise helps farmers endure out from other market vendors . Niche products often command a high price , improving the bottom occupation .
2.Boulder County Farmers’ Market(Boulder, Colo.)
Since it was found in 1986 , the Boulder Farmers Market has expanded to become one of the largest market in the land . More than 150 vendors sell at the market on Saturday mornings between April and November and Wednesday evenings from May to October . The size of it of the market means shopper can choose from a variety of foods , turn the market into a mini grocery store for local foods .
The more , the merry . A large market place with a diverse selection of seller becomes a goal , attracting shoppers from around the region who see the farmers ’ market as a viable alternative to the supermarket .
3.Logan Square Farmers Market(Chicago)
On Sundays from May to October , farmers set up in Chicago ’s picturesque Logan Square , betray farm - raised nitty-gritty and produce alongside economic value - add products like baked good and sauce . shopper can pay with cash but several seller also take over alternate payments , including SNAP and WIC . At the death of the market , vendors can donate their excess green groceries to a solid food pantry through a partnership with a local ministry syllabus .
A market with a social military mission can have a significant impact on Farmer and the community . Accepting SNAP and WIC payments meliorate access to refreshing foods and expands the customer root word ; donating mart excess allows husbandman to lay claim a revenue enhancement deduction .
4.Morningside Farmers’ Market(Atlanta)
With just 15 vendors , the Morningside Farmers Market is one of the smaller market place in Atlanta , but its nidus on organic produce helps sic it apart . To sell at the market , which was found in 1995 , farmers must provide cogent evidence that merchandise ranging from fresh produce and pastured meat to adust goods and cut flowers are Certified Organic .
In cities with multiple farmer ’ markets , establishing a recess is a level of differentiation . A farmer ’ market that bills itself as a address for organic food can attract a loyal following of shoppers who share those value .
5.St. Paul Farmers’ Market(Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.)
This mart , one of the oldest in the U.S. , hosts 21 farmers ’ securities industry throughout the Twin Cities . The locations , meter and vendors dissent between markets , but the nonprofit St. Paul Grower ’s Association that manage the market place has a dominion that apply to all locations : No resellers reserve . All of the products deal at the markets were grown , raised or produced by the vendors .
As the “ Know Your Farmer , Know Your Food , ” movement gains impulse , shoppers want to know the products sell at their favorite farmers ’ market are in truth local . coordinate a manufacturer - only market create connections between farmers and consumers , building lasting relationship that are undecomposed for concern .
6.Santa Monica Farmers’ Market(Santa Monica, Calif.)
This Southern California market offers year - round approach to farm - bracing foods , but its full schedule of educational programming is another reason that the Wednesday evening and Saturday morning markets are popular with occupant . Events range from weekly cooking demonstrations sport seasonal intellectual nourishment and horticulture seminar to magpie hunting and school fieldtrips .
A market that hosts workshop and special issue can attract shoppers who might not typically call in the market , boosting attendance and sales . event may also appeal the attention of the media , generating neat bombination for the food market .
7.Greenfield Farmers Market(Greenfield, Wis.)
On Sundays between June and October , 50 vendors gather for a well - attend hebdomadary farmers ’ market . Several of the vendors trade eggs , meat , farm and strong point food products also take part in other local markets . The market is so popular with vendors there was a waiting list for the 2014 time of year .
Non - traditional hours are respectable for concern . Most grocery are held on Saturdays ; curtain raising on Sunday draws a new gang and gives sodbuster another opportunity to sell to the public .
