USDA Survey: Farmers’ Markets Are Booming

Farmers’ markets are booming across the country, says an August survey released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA Service Administrator Anne L. Alonzo stated that “there are over 8,400 farmers markets in USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory,” numbers she says proves how farmers’ markets “are thriving and expanding as they provide healthy, local fresh fruit and vegetables to America’s families.” The USDA gathered information from 1,400 farmers market managers, identifying how customer demand remains robust with 64 percent of managers reporting increased foot traffic and 85 percent of managers looking to expand vendors to meet these higher demands. In addition to increased access to fresh produce at markets, the USDA predicted that 2015 prices of fruit and vegetables will remain stable, making plant-based diets easier and cheaper than ever.