National Farmers Market Week

8/10/2016

written by Debbie Eakes

In honor of National Farmers Market Week...Did you know?

Farmer’s markets preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland.

Farmer’s markets stimulate local economy

Growers selling locally create 13 full time jobs per $1m in revenue earned.
For every $100 spent at the local farmer’s market, $62 stays in the local economy and $99 stays in the state.

Farmer’s markets increase access to fresh, nutritious food

In a 2011 study farmers market produce was 22% less expensive than supermarket produce
45% of the produce sold at farmers markets is organic
30% is chemical free and pesticide free

Farmer’s markets support healthy communities

75% of customers came to do more than shop. When markets include live music, entertainment and children’s activities all contribute to a stronger community connection.
55% of market increase their connection to community. Vendors can communicate farming practices with their customers, educating them about farming and its interactions with the natural environment
99% believed the market improves the health of the community. Proximity was associated with lower BMI among North Carolina youth

Farmer’s markets promote sustainability

81% incorporate cover crops, reduced tillage, on site composting, and other soil health practices into their operations.
One in four farmers selling at farmers markets cultivate land that is protected from commercial development.
48% use integrated pest management, information on the life cycle of pests and their interaction with the environment to manage and prevent crop damage.

The Granite Falls farmers market can be found in the parking lot near the dam every Wednesday.