The number of farmers' markets nationwide has risen dramatically over the past decade; and, Ohio is no exception. Ohio is now home to more than 200 farmers' markets. According to the Ohio Farmers' Market Survey of 2009 conducted by The Ohio State University South Centers and the OSU Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, the average age of Ohio farmers' markets is 11 years. This points to the fact that there are many new markets in Ohio, as the age range of markets reported was from less than 1 year to 156 years. According to United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Market Service Branch (USDA AMS), there were 1755 farmers' markets nationwide in 1994 and 5274 in 2009. This is an increase of more than 200%. From the available information, it appears that Ohio has followed a similar trend.
Of the identified farmers' markets in 2009, twenty-six were eligible to accept electronic benefits transfer; the Ohio Direction Card. Many market vendors also participate in the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program which is available in 44 of Ohio's 88 counties. In addition, the Women's, Infants, and Children Program as well as the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition program are accepted at many Ohio markets. While exact figures of economic imparts are not available at this time, USDA AMS is currently conducting the National Farmers' Markets Survey. The results of which will help to determine just how Ohio farmers' markets are contributing to the growth of Ohio's economy. Markets help to keep food dollars in the local community which helps create jobs, maintain small farms, and revitalize communities. Farmers' markets help create a sense of community and provide a social atmosphere.
According to the Sustainable Table, "Americans consume more than $600 billion in food annually. In most communities today food is purchased entirely at a grocery store or market, with only about 7% of local food dollars staying in the community.” This provides an opportunity to direct marketers. An increase of just 1% would represent a $6 billion increase to producers who direct market their products.
If you are interested in direct marketing your produce through a farmers' market and/or would like to start a farmers' market, you can contact Christie Welch, Farmers' Market Specialist for more information, welch.183@osu.edu, or visit www.ohiofarmersmarkets.osu.edu
