Key Highlights
- Over 8,600 farmers markets were operating in the United States in 2022
- Farmers markets contribute approximately $10 billion annually to the US economy
- About 59% of farmers market shoppers are women
- The average farmer’s market shopper spends around $35 per visit
- 79% of farmers market shoppers purchase fresh fruits and vegetables
- 70% of farmers market vendors are small-scale farmers
- Nearly 80% of farmers market shoppers are from urban areas
- About 61% of farmers markets accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards
- Farmers markets serve as an important access point for locally grown produce in food deserts
- The median annual revenue for a typical farmers market vendor is approximately $20,000
- In 2022, about 3,600 new farmers markets were established in the US
- 41% of farmers market shoppers report that they buy organic produce
- Farmers markets increase local farmers’ income by providing a direct sales channel, accounting for over $1 billion in sales annually
Did you know that over 8,600 farmers markets across the U.S. generate $10 billion annually, connect urban consumers to fresh, local produce, and serve as vital economic and health arteries for communities nationwide?
Community Benefits and Additional Services
- About 61% of farmers markets accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards
- Farmers markets serve as an important access point for locally grown produce in food deserts
- In 2022, about 3,600 new farmers markets were established in the US
- Farmers markets boost community health by promoting consumption of fresh produce, leading to a 17% increase in fruit and vegetable intake among shoppers
- More than 60% of farmers markets are located in neighborhoods with median incomes below the national average
- Farmers markets have seen a 15% increase in participation during the COVID-19 pandemic
- 55% of farmers markets now offer prepared foods or ready-to-eat items
- 12% of farmers markets provide educational programs or cooking demonstrations
- Farmers markets account for over 4,500 acres of preserved farmland across the US
- Approximately 40% of farmers markets are located in counties designated as food insecure, highlighting their role in food access
Community Benefits and Additional Services Interpretation
As fresh as their produce, farmers markets are increasingly vital hubs that bridge food deserts, support local farmland, and promote healthier eating—demonstrating that even during a pandemic, community health can be harvested one EBT swipe at a time.
Consumer Demographics and Spending Patterns
- About 59% of farmers market shoppers are women
- The average farmer’s market shopper spends around $35 per visit
- 79% of farmers market shoppers purchase fresh fruits and vegetables
- Nearly 80% of farmers market shoppers are from urban areas
- 41% of farmers market shoppers report that they buy organic produce
- 65% of farmers market shoppers are aged between 25 and 44 years old
- About 56% of farmers market shoppers are at least college-educated
- 45% of farmers market shoppers have household incomes under $50,000
- About 80% of farmers market shoppers discover new local producers through social media
- The median age of farmers market shoppers is 45 years old
- 63% of farmers market shoppers say that freshness influences their purchasing decision
- Nearly 50% of farmers market shoppers purchase meat or dairy products
- 52% of consumers report that farmers markets provide higher quality produce compared to supermarkets
- 72% of farmers market shoppers indicate that they prefer locally grown produce over imported options
- The average annual spend per household on farmers market produce in the US is about $130
- 50% of farmers market shoppers are repeat visitors, indicating high community engagement
Consumer Demographics and Spending Patterns Interpretation
With nearly half of shoppers prioritizing freshness and high-quality, locally grown produce, and a substantial slice being urban, educated, and socially engaged online, farmers markets prove that in a digitally connected world, authentic farm-to-table experiences remain a vital and vibrant part of urban life, even if the average household only spends about $130 annually—suggesting that in the marketplace of health, community, and quality, the true value extends far beyond dollars.
Economic Impact and Revenue Generation
- Farmers markets contribute approximately $10 billion annually to the US economy
- Farmers markets increase local farmers’ income by providing a direct sales channel, accounting for over $1 billion in sales annually
- Farmers markets contribute to local tourism by attracting over 10 million visitors annually
- 85% of farmers market vendors report that direct sales improve their financial stability
- Farmers markets are responsible for approximately 2 million jobs related to food production, sales, and distribution
- Farmers markets generate approximately 1.2 billion trips to local communities annually, boosting local economies and tourism
Economic Impact and Revenue Generation Interpretation
Farmers markets, wielding a hefty $10 billion economic impact and fueling over 2 million jobs while attracting millions of visitors, prove that shopping local isn't just fresh—it's fundamentally fiscal.
Operational Scope and Geographic Distribution
- Over 8,600 farmers markets were operating in the United States in 2022
- Approximately 12% of farmers markets operate year-round
- The number of farmers markets in California increased by 20% from 2020 to 2022
- Over 60% of farmers markets now provide online ordering options
- Nearly 70% of farmers markets are located within 10 miles of a population center
- The average size of a farmers market is about 10,000 square feet
- The typical farmers market operates from May through October in most regions
- The number of farmers markets operating in rural areas has increased by 18% since 2020
- In 2022, the top three states with the most farmers markets were California, Florida, and New York
- Approximately 30% of farmers markets are located in or near downtown districts or city centers
- 85% of farmers markets accept multiple payment options including credit/debit cards, EBT, and mobile payments
- On average, farmers markets operate for 4 to 6 hours per day
- 20% of farmers markets are open during winter months in various regions, primarily in the southern US
Operational Scope and Geographic Distribution Interpretation
In 2022, the thriving farmers market landscape across the U.S.—with over 8,600 vendors, increasing rural and urban presence, and a growing embrace of online and flexible payment options—demonstrates a resilient and adaptable food movement that is both rooted in tradition and digitally cultivated for the modern consumer.
Vendor Profile and Business Characteristics
- 70% of farmers market vendors are small-scale farmers
- The median annual revenue for a typical farmers market vendor is approximately $20,000
- The average number of vendors per farmers market is around 20
- 25% of farmers market vendors are women
- About 10% of farmers markets in the US are considered "certified" markets with stricter standards
- About 10% of farmers markets are operated by non-profit organizations
- Nearly 65% of farmers markets report an increase in vendor participation over the last five years
- Approximately 15% of farmers markets offer organic certification for their vendors
- Farmers markets contribute to reduced food waste by utilizing imperfect produce that might otherwise be discarded, with 25% of vendors selling "seconds" or cosmetically imperfect items
- The average farmer’s market has around 15 vendors, with some markets hosting over 50 vendors during peak season
- The number of vendors participating in farmers markets has increased by 22% over the past decade
Vendor Profile and Business Characteristics Interpretation
Farmers markets, overwhelmingly fueled by small-scale farmers earning modest revenues and increasingly embraced by women and communities seeking organic or local produce, are not just charming spots but vital ecosystems that boost vendor participation, reduce waste, and are steadily growing—proof that the local food movement is thriving despite its modest median earnings.
Sources & References
- Reference 1AMSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 2NIFAResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 3FNSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 4CDCResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 5CALIFORNIAFARMERSMARKETSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 6VISITCALIFORNIAResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 7SOCIALMEDIAMARKETINGResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 8FOODQUALITYNEWSResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 9FARMLANDResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 10URBANFARMERResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 11NONPROFITQUARTERLYResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 12FRESHPRODUCEResearch Publication(2024)Visit source
- Reference 13TRAVELMARKETREPORTResearch Publication(2024)Visit source