Farmers Markets Continue To Grow In Nebraska, Ag Director Says

By: Farm Progress,Nebraska Farmer

Farmers markets in Nebraska are a great opportunity for vegetable and fruit growers in the state to sell to consumers seeking locally produced products.

“We continue to see considerable growth in the number of farmers markets in the state, and don’t expect that trend to end anytime as consumer demand for farm-to-table produce remains strong,” Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach says. “We have had a good mix of vendors at these markets. They range from full-time producers to hobbyists to farmers who use the opportunity to diversify their current operation.”

National Farmers Market week was celebrated across the country Aug. 7-14.

The number of farmers markets in the state, registered with NDA, has seen an increase of 259% in the past 16 years. In 2000, the number of registered markets was 39, increasing to 101 this year.

“Because of the rapidly growing number of farmers markets across the state, we launched an online database last year that can be accessed by both vendors and consumers,” says Casey Foster, NDA ag promotions coordinator. “The webpage provides details on locations, days and times of farmers markets across the state. Produce farmers also are given the opportunity to list locations where they sell from, as well as the types of produce they sell.”