Farmers Market Near Me
The first farmers markets ever originated in Egypt over 5,000 years ago. At this time farmers along the Nile river would bring all of their fresh produce to be sold. Today there are Farmers Markets all over the world. Some are small, containing only 3-4 vendors that sell fresh produce. Some are quite large such as the world’s biggest farmers market in Tokyo, Japan which offers 1,700 venders. In the US, farmers markets are on the rise. Even urban areas such as New York City are in on the game.
Are you interested in finding a farmers market near you? Simply browse farmers market near me on the map below and find a list of farmers markets in your area. Need a bit more information on Farmer’s markets? Read on for facts, trivia, and list of the top three farmers markets in the US.
Farmers Market Near Me – Find it on the Map
Farmers Market Near Me – Farmers Market Trivia
As of 2008, how many Farmer’s Markets were in the US?
If you’re searching farmers market near me now, this number has surely grown, but statistics show that in 2008 the number of Farmer’s markets in the us was around 4,500. That number has surely grown to almost 8,000 in 2016. In the past two decades, farmers markets have grown at breakneck speed. According to the US Department of Agriculture the number of farmers markets has risen 300% in a 14 year span. Now more communities than ever want in on having their very own farmers market. The USDA reported a whopping 20% growth between 2008 and 2009. The market is believed to grow at a steady 10% to 15% rate for the next decade.
True or false: You should always arrive early at a farmer’s market.
While there’s not exactly a steadfast rule on when one should arrive at a farmer’s market, experts say that early is always best. Since farmers pick produced the day before it goes available at the market, it is best to shop during morning hours for fruits and veggies as they have just arrived fresh from the farm. You’ll be getting first dibs on the best and brightest of the vegetable bunch. However, some would argue that if it’s a bargain you’re looking for rather than freshness, evening hours are the best as leftover vegetables and novelties will often go for half price and often even lower. Whether you’re a morning person or an evening person, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for while searching farmers market near me.
True or false: Farmers are dependent on you to survive.
True! The beautiful thing about a farmer’s market (aside from the fresh food) is that you get to interact with those picking the veggies and planting them face to face. Farmers are wholly dependent on the consumer to uphold their way of life and to keep producing crops every year. And profit margins of any farmer depend entirely upon your paying capacity. While the frugal side of you might come out when shopping a farmer’s market, remember that haggling should be out of the question. Always be generous when making a purchase from a local farm as they need the profit to keep producing crops and bringing new goods to the farmers market for lovely shoppers like yourself.
Farmers Market Near Me – Farmers Market Facts
Don’t Expect Deals
While searching farmers market near me, don’t expect to get great deals on your farmer’s market produce. The deal is the freshness and variety of the food, not the price. Farmers don’t do deals when selling their own produce. You get a good deal by buying directly from the farmer and avoiding any additional overhead charges that a grocery store will attach to the price. Be a consistent customer, be fair, and show loyalty. Often times this will lead a farm stand to give you a discount on their own volition.
Farmers Markets: A Tough Job
While selling at a farmer’s market might seem like an easy gig, given all that summer sun and socialization it’s far from simple. The work of a farmer is tough as nails. Aside from producing the crops, they have to make arrangements to bring the produce to market. That often means many late nights of picking and packing to get to the market on time. Additionally all farmers have to ensure that the product sells by day’s end, even if they have to wait in the open for customers
Don’t Expect The Same Stuff Year Round
While searching farmers market near me, remember that these stands offer fresh produce. This means that you will not be able to get the same fruits and vegetables throughout the year. You will only be able to get what is in season. While this might seem frustrating to put your favorites on hold, it can also be a fun culinary adventure. In trying new foods at different seasons, you’re not only expanding your palette, your giving yourself something to look forward to in the coming months.
Top Farmers Markets in the US
1. Portland Farmers Market, Portland, Oregon
Portland is known for its love of local farms and organic offerings. This weekly farmers market is held every Saturday on the campus of Portland State University. This market offers 150 of the region’s best farmers and artisans.
2. Union Square Greenmarket
The Union Square Greenmarket is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of New York City. With a diverse selection of products and 140 regional farmers and bakers, this long running farmers market is is truly worth visiting.
3. Santa Monica Farmers Market, Santa Monica, CA
If you’re in the Santa Monica area while searching farmers market near me, make sure to head downtown on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for one of the nation’s best farmer’s markets. With more than 75 farmers offer fresh local produce and artisanal goods.