Consumer trends focusing on fresh produce, local production and better understanding of food’s origin have brought about a number of developments in the food world in recent years. One of such trends has been the increased popularity of farmers markets. In fact, in 2016 the USDA totaled 8669 farmers markets on its National Farmers Market Directory. This is a growth of about 260% from 2410 markets nationwide in 1996, and a 20% increase from 7,175 markets just 5 years ago. These markets not only give the opportunity for local exchange of food products that may not have otherwise been possible, but also help foster healthy consumer and producer relationships and an overall sense of community. In addition, farmers markets promote agricultural literacy, or the understanding of how food gets from producers’ farms and ranches to the dinner table. Many in the world of agriculture agree that consumers lacking knowledge of where their food comes from and how it is produced can have hugely detrimental effects, so it is great to see a reverse in this troubling disconnect.
Personally, I have enjoyed immensely wandering through the stands of the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market and Thursday Local Market during Laramie’s beautiful summer months. I relish the opportunity to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products; delicious locally made sweets and snacks; and the multitude of other local food products available. The other locally produced non-agricultural products such as artwork and crafted goods are also another wonderful feature of these markets.
I hope these markets continue to grow in popularity and be found in more and more locations around the country in hopes that the positive impacts they provide to communities and their citizens continue to be expanded. For more information on farmers markets and the growing trends in local foods visit the USDA’s page on Farmers Markets and Direct-to-Consumer Marketing at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/farmers-markets-and-direct-consumer-marketing. To learn more specifically about Wyoming’s farmers markets or to find your local farmers market visit http://wyomingfarmersmarkets.org and http://wyomingfarmersmarkets.org/List_of_WY_Farmers_Markets.pdf.
-Emily Sikorski
