Northeast Farmers' Markets Provide Access to Fresh Food

Volume 15, Issue 8
August 2021

Northeast Farmers' Markets Provide Access to Fresh Food

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack proclaimed the first week of August as “National Farmers’ Market Week.” Across the United States, there are more than 8,000 farmers markets where producers of all types sell farm products and other goods to families, restaurants and other consumers.

Farmers’ markets are not only an essential source of safe, local and healthy food for neighborhoods and local communities, they are also an excellent way for farmers and consumers to connect with each other, enabling people to learn more about agriculture in their region, and allowing farmers to increase their income and market opportunities.

A 2019 survey of Farmers’ Market Managers across the country showed that because of their participation in farmers’ markets, 67% of market vendors were able to increase their production; 33% hired additional employees; 40% were able to sell otherwise unmarketable products; and 77% diversified the types of products they grew.¹

The Northeast has perhaps the highest concentration of farmers’ markets in the country, with more than 1,000 in Farm Credit East’s seven-state region alone.

Click on the states in the chart above, or visit Farm Credit East's Farm Fresh Guide for Northeast farmers' market locations near you.

While the popularity of farmers’ markets has surged over the last two years, it hasn’t been an easy time for market managers or vendors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early in 2020, when pandemic restrictions were first being imposed, most farmers’ markets hadn’t opened for the season yet. But locations with winter markets had to adapt immediately. Some markets had to shut down for a time. Others had to significantly alter their operations and traffic flow. There were significant disruptions to market operations early in the season, but by summer, most markets were able to operate in some capacity.

Market managers and vendors were quite innovative in managing through the COVID-19 restrictions. Many limited customers and traffic flows. Vendors added online shops, pre-ordering, or had staff select produce for customers to reduce handling. Many vendors who hadn’t accepted credit cards before started doing so to minimize cash transactions.

Still, it wasn’t easy. Cheryl Huber, of Grow NYC, which runs New York City Greenmarkets, said, “For our year-round markets, COVID-19 had an immediate impact — and as other locations opened, we had to be really adaptable. The impacts were broad — many neighborhood markets did very well, but locations with a lot of commuter traffic were way down, and restaurant buying all but disappeared early on. There were a lot of changes to deal with, but NYC residents were seeking safe, outdoor places to shop and happily supported their local farmers’ markets, increasing this critical revenue source for many farmers. All-in-all, 2020 was a really hard year, but very rewarding as well.”

Edith Murnane, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Federation of Farmers’ Markets agreed, stating, “COVID-19 definitely affected farmers’ markets here. We saw an uptick in sales in neighborhood markets, and a downturn in commuter-driven markets. People came out to shop, more than to socialize or be entertained, which helped sales at some markets. But ultimately, while some did better, others did not. About 15-20% of the markets weren’t able to open at all for a number of reasons.”

Both Huber and Murnane agreed that farmers’ markets played a key role in providing access to fresh, healthy and local food during the pandemic. Most farmers’ markets are now able to accept SNAP and EBT benefits, and in some locations, programs offer “Bonus Bucks” or other incentives for limited-resource consumers. Overall, NYC Greenmarket SNAP redemptions increased by 50% in 2020, Ms. Huber reported.

At this mid-point of the 2021 season, demand continues to be strong, and COVID-19 restrictions have eased at most market locations. Restaurants are gradually coming back, as are commuters. The challenge now will be to continue to build upon the surge in interest the pandemic brought out in consumers during COVID-19. Most market managers are optimistic about the future, saying that 2020 inspired a lot of consumers to support agriculture in their region and connect with farmers by shopping at community farmers’ markets.

 ¹ 2019 National Farmers Market Managers Survey, USDA – NASS, August 17,2020.

Editor: Chris Laughton 
Contributors: Chris Laughton and Tom Cosgrove

View previous editions of the KEP

Farm Credit East Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication/newsletter is not intended to be investment, tax, or legal advice and should not be relied upon by recipients for such purposes. Farm Credit East does not make any representation or warranty regarding the content, and disclaims any responsibility for the information, materials, third-party opinions, and data included in this report. In no event will Farm Credit East be liable for any decision made or actions taken by any person or persons relying on the information contained in this report.

Tags: ag retail, farmers markets, local food