BUSINESS OF FARMING
HOW FARMERS MARKETS IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY SURGE SEEN IN CONSUMERS’ INTEREST IN LOCAL FOOD B Y J E S S I C A R O WA N The number of farmers markets in Alabama has increased greatly over the past two decades. In 1999, the state only had 17 farmers’ markets serving around 230 producers and in 2021, there were 170 farmers markets serving around 900 producers and 425 non-produce vendors. These markets are indispensable to both consumers and small-scale producers. Farmers markets reconnect consumers to their food system. Traditional sales channels for food often don’t place importance on who grew your food or where it was grown. It’s seen as just a quick transaction and task to mark off your to-do list. Local markets give consumers a chance to learn 12
Cooperative Farming News
what’s in season, how their produce is grown and how they can change or establish their role within the food system. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the population to supply chain disruptions. While it has shown some fragilities within the food system, it also revealed opportunities for improvement in food work and how to cultivate a resilient food system. There has been a surge in consumers’ interest in local food and increased demand for direct-to-consumer marketing channels. COVID-19 was definitely a challenge to farmers markets, and it forced many of them to pivot in order to meet customer demands. Although it was a challenging time, it sparked consumer interest in local food and
