Farmers markets go year-round as eat-local trend grows
— -- As Americans show greater interest in eating locally grown food, more farmers markets are selling year-round.
The number of winter markets nationwide jumped 38% from 886 in 2010, the first year data were collected, to 1,225 this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These markets, defined as those operating at least once between November and March, now account for nearly 17% of the nation's approximately 7,200 farmers markets.
They're not just in warm places, either. The 10 states with the most winter markets include New York (ranked No. 1), Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts and Michigan. Many of the markets go indoors in the coldest months, but others stay outside.
"We have a fire pit to help people keep warm and a very loyal following," says Judy Stroske of the Loudoun Valley HomeGrown Markets Cooperative, which runs a winter market in Leesburg, Va. She says the variety of produce depends on the amount of snow, but there's an array of meat, honey, salsa, baked goods and dairy — and no refrigeration worries.
Not only has the number of markets increased, but so has the number of vendors at each.
"The main reason is the overwhelming renaissance of interest in American agriculture," says Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, adding that people want to know and support their local farmers. "It's a win-win for consumers and farmers."
Merrigan says another factor is the upswing in hoop houses, plastic-draped tunnels which are inexpensive, unheated greenhouses that extend the growing season. The USDA began helping farmers pay part of the cost in 2009 and has since co-funded about 4,500 — many of them in Wisconsin and Alaska.
"We used the First Lady's garden to publicize hoop house technology," Merrigan says. Merrigan co-made two videos with White House Assistant Chef Sam Kass. "There's also that civic aspect" to farmers markets, Merrigan says, adding that they've become community get-togethers.
In Madison, Wis., 300 to 500 people eat a full breakfast made from locally grown food every Saturday at the Dane County Farmers' Market while they listen to live music, says market manager Larry Johnson. He says the vendors sell, in addition to apples and pears, frozen raspberries and sweet spinach. "It's the best time of year to grow spinach," Johnson says. "One farmer says he stops growing spinach in the spring, because it starts to taste like spinach."
In Brattleboro, Vt., the weekly Winter Farmers' Market has expanded from 18 vendors five years ago to 32 today. "It's been a steady expansion," says manager Sherry Maher.
In the Chicago metro area, the interfaith environmental group Faith in Progress organizes a series of one-day farmers markets at different churches throughout the winter. "There's more demand for farmers markets than there are farmers to meet it," …says Clare Butterfield, the group's executive director. "There's a lot of untapped potential."
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