Number of U.S. Farmers Markets Increase 16 Percent

The number of farmers markets has increased by 16 percent since last year, according to the USDA 2010 National Farmers Market Directory, which lists 6,132 operational markets compared to 5,274 in 2009. “Seeing such continued strong growth in the number of U.S. farmers markets indicates that regional food systems can provide great economic, social and health benefits to communities across the county,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The results come as part of National Farmers Market Week, which Vilsack declared to be Aug. 1-7. Learn more.