farmers market
Direct-marketing farms have twice the regional impact
Sacramento-area farmers and ranchers who sell their products directly to consumers generate twice as much regional economic impact per dollar of output as do area food producers who don’t engage in direct marketing, reports a... more »
SNAP farmers market website updated
Expanding access to the healthy foods available at farmers markets and farm stands for those participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been – and continues to be – a USDA priority. For... more »
USDA finalizes rules for local food enterprise loans
On Friday, June 3, USDA released its final rule for the Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee program, codifying a variety of changes aimed at improving program delivery, making the regulation easier to understand, and... more »
Study: Vermont farmers market products affordably priced
Commonly purchased foods can be affordably priced at Vermont farmers' markets, a study by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) found. Last year, VAAFM conducted a pilot research project to address the... more »
Resource helps food hubs improve financial performance
A new resource from the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service will help food hubs improve their financial performance. Food hubs are a businesses or organizations that manage the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of locally-produced food. [caption id="attachment_8561" align="alignright"... more »
Direct-to-consumer sales help farms stay in business
Opportunities to buy food directly from farmers, in urban and rural areas, have increased considerably in recent years. The number of farms that sold food at roadside stands, farmers’ markets, pick-your-own farms, onfarm stores, and... more »
South Dakota Farmers Market Grower Grants available
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has grant funds available to support local farmers markets. Proposals for the Farmers Market Grower Grants will be accepted from any current farmers market or any group interested... more »
USDA launches first local foods survey
The USDA has begun conducting the 2015 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey. USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting this first-time survey to produce official benchmark data on the local food sector in the United States. The... more »
Economic impact study will look at Michigan farmers markets
The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) has received a $60,000 Rural Business Development Grant from the USDA to conduct an economic impact study of Michigan farmers markets. Planning began in November of 2015 and the... more »
Farm markets switch to point-of-sale systems
Technology is transforming farms in the field, with the use of automated vehicles and drones. Technology is making its way to the agritourism side of farming, too. For example, farm markets are switching from regular... more »
