who benefits from farmers markets?

Farmers with less than $250,000 annual receipts who work and manage their own operations (90% of all farmers*).

Farmers markets help supplement farm income and in many cases are an essential source of revenue. According to the USDA, over 19,000 farmers sell their produce only at farmers markets.
They give small farm owners more control over their economic lives.
Can increase networking and sharing of skills between farmers.
Farmers can often get higher prices for their goods and reduce their packaging and transportation costs.

Farmers markets provide consumers access to locally grown, fresh produce and gives the opportunity to meet and get to know local farmers.
Shopping at a farmers market lets consumers choose from fresher and in some cases, better quality produce.
The fresh produce found at farmers markets can be more flavorful and colorful.
Consumers are oftentimes exposed to new and different varieties of fruits and vegetables.

Farmers markets bring fresh, nutritious foods to urban communities where access to these items is not always readily available.
Many farmers markets help promote nutrition, healthy eating habits and food preparation as well as boosting the community’s economy.
Farmers markets can help start new local businesses as well as expand existing ones.
They can help maintain local employment by reinforcing local job and business networks.
Farmers markets may allow a local area to become more attractive to tourism.