[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding=”17px||0px|||”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Americans have long known that farmers markets offer shoppers food that’s unrivaled taste and freshness, however, a growing body of research points to the economic benefits of farm-direct marketing. One recent study discovered that, “for every dollar of sales, direct marketers are generating twice as much economic activity within the region, as compared to producers who are not involved in direct marketing.” The study goes on to reveal that for every $1 million in revenue, direct-market farms create almost 32 local jobs whereas larger wholesale growers create only 10.5.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
While direct-market farmers rely on you—their neighbors—to grow their businesses, they return the favor. The report’s author’s attribute the outside impact that these farmers exert on local economies to the fact that they source locally. Of the direct-marketing farmers surveyed, 89 percent buy their supplies (“inputs” in farm-speak) from local businesses. By contrast, larger wholesale farms purchased only 45 percent of their inputs from their neighbors. Because direct-marketing farmers are much more likely to patronize local feed stores, farm equipment dealers, and mills, the dollars that you spend at the farmers market stay in your community longer—they may even wind-up back in your pocket!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text content_tablet=”” content_phone=”” content_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
National Impacts
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
- Growers selling locally create 13 full time jobs per $1 million in revenue earned. Those that do not sell locally create 3. [i]
- The USDA estimates that local food sales from farmers markets, food hubs, CSAs, farm stands and farm to schools programs have grown from from about $5 billion in 2008 to $11.7 billion in 2014.
- A 2010 study by USDA’s Economic Research Service compared producers selling salad mix, blueberries, milk, beef, and apples locally with producers of the same products selling to mainstream supply “In all five cases, nearly all of the wage and proprietor income earned in the local market chains is retained in the local economy.” [ii]
- Farms selling local food through direct-to-consumer marketing channels were more likely to remain in business over 2007-12 than all farms not using direct-to-consumer marketing channels, according to US Census of Agriculture data.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text content_tablet=”” content_phone=”” content_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
State Impacts
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
- Florida households spent an estimated $1.8 billion at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and U-pick farms in 2011. [iii]
- In Iowa and Oklahoma, every dollar spent at farmers markets led to an additional $0.58 – $1.36 in sales at other nearby businesses. [iv], [v]
- Farmers markets create between 257 and 361 full-time jobs and generate up to $13 million in South Carolina alone, according to one recent estimate. [vi]
- Wyoming’s economy was bolstered by more than $2.8 million in 2013 from sales at the state’s farmers. [vii]
- Virginia Cooperative Extension reported that Southern Virginia households spending 15% of their weekly food budget on locally grown food products would generate $90 million in new farm income for the region. [viii]
- According to the US Census of Agriculture, 144,530 farms sold $1.3 billion in fresh edible agricultural products directly to consumers in 2012.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text content_tablet=”” content_phone=”” content_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Individual Market Impacts
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
- 41% of shoppers at Portland (Oregon) Farmers Markets said that their main reason for shopping at these markets was to support the local economy.[ix]
- Farmers markets spur spending at neighboring businesses. A 2010 study of the Easton Farmers Market in Pennsylvania found that 70% of farmers market customers are also shopping at downtown businesses, spending up to an extra $26,000 each week.
- At the Crescent City Farmers Market in New Orleans, 32% of Market shoppers spend money at nearby businesses, resulting in $3.2 million in projected gross receipts and an annual contribution of $151,621 to local sales tax revenue.
- Boise, Idaho’s Capital City Public Market generated an estimated $4.5 million in economic activity for the local economy in 2011.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
So the next time you shop at your neighborhood farmers market, remember: not only are you appeasing your taste buds, but you’re giving your community a little economic boost. One dollar at a time.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Farmers Markets are the most genuine type of commerce. Selling at the market
allowed us to start our business slowly and focus on building our brand and customer base. It gave us confidence. We wouldn’t be here without the market.Freddy Kaufmann, Owner, Proper Sausages, Miami Shores, Florida
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]
Text from Farmers Market Coalition Website – Link
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
References:
[i] Feenstra GW, Lewis CC, Hinrichs CC, Gillespie Jr GW & Hilchey D. (2003). Entrepreneurial Outcomes and Enterprise Size in US Retail Farmers Markets. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 18, 46-55. http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=4430732.
[ii] King RP, Hand MS, DiGiacomo G, Clancy K, Gomez MI, Hardesty SD, Lev L, McLaughlin EW. (2010). Comparing the Structure, Size, and Performance of Local and Mainstream Food Supply Chains. www.ers.usda.gov/publications/err-economic-research-report/err99.aspx#.UeWk-Caz7a4b.
[iii] Hodges, A. W., Stevens, T. J., & Wysocki, A. F. (2014). Local and Regional Food Systems in Florida: Values and Economic Impacts. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, 2(May), 285–298. Retrieved from purl.umn.edu/169063.
[iv] Henneberry, S. R., Taylor, M. J., Whitacre, B. E., Agustini, H. N., Mutondo, J. E., & Roberts, W. (2008). The Economic Impacts of Direct Produce Marketing: A Case Study of Oklahoma’s Famers’ Markets. 2008 Annual Meeting, February 2-6, 2008, Dallas, Texas. Retrieved from purl.umn.edu/6785.
[v] Otto, D. and T. Varner. (2005). Consumers, vendors,and the Economic Importance of Iowa Farmers Markets: An Economic Impact Survey Analysis. Iowa State University, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Retrieved from www.iowaagriculture.gov/Horticulture_and_FarmersMarkets/pdfs/FarmMarketReportMarch2005.pdf
[vi] Hughes, D. W., & Isengildina-Massa, O. (2015). The economic impact of farmers’ markets and a state level locally grown campaign. Food Policy, 54, 78–84. doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2015.05.001.
[vii] Wyoming Business Council. (September 2014). Wyo Farmers Markets Make Big Economic Impact. Retrieved from www.wyomingbusiness.org/news/article/wyo-farmers-markets-make-big-economic-/8675.
[viii] Bendfeldt, E. S., Walker, M., Bunn, T., Martin, L., & Barrow, M. (2011). A Community-Based Food System: Building Health, Wealth, Connection, and Capacity as the Foundation of Our Economic
Future. Retrieved from pubs.ext.vt.edu/3306/3306-9029/3306-9029-PDF.pdf.
[ix] Williams, Christina. “Portland Farmers Market Finds Shoppers Motivated by Local Economy Over Fresh Tomatoes” (2012) www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2012/11/portland-farmers-market-finds-shoppers.html.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]