Growing Communities One Market at a Time

Farmers’ markets mean something different to everyone. For consumers, these markets represent a virtual guarantee of freshness not found in supermarkets and for farmers, the markets have come to represent the ultimate cooperative where they work together, set their own prices and sell directly to the consumer. Often what you find when purchasing supermarket products is that the majority of your dollars spent goes into shipping and production costs of produce. At your local farmers’ market, you are buying directly from the farmers; therefore, what you see is what you get.

Communities are seeing the economic impact of establishing a local farmers’ market and how markets can retain money in their home communities. For every dollar spent at a local farmers’ market, that dollar turns over 5 times into the community. There has been a record 19 percent increase in the number of farmers’ markets in Missouri over the past 5 years- Missouri currently has 148 markets.

The experience of shopping at a market is one of vibrant community spirit, where neighbors come together to explore and celebrate our state’s diverse agricultural bounty. Although fall is upon us, markets across the state are still open for business. Consumers can expect to find Indian corn, pumpkins, fall squash, apples, melons, grapes, sweet potatoes and lots of mums!

I found this video on You Tube the other day and thought is was worth posting on the blog. The video talks about the importance of local farmers’ markets in small rural communities.

Watch the Video:

Farmers’ Markets: Growing communities one market at a time.