Farmers' Markets: The USDA Role (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised Jan. 3, 2006 |
| Report Number |
RS21652 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Geoffrey S. Becker, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have created a number of programs aimed at promoting farmers' markets. Policy issues include the extent to which the programs contribute to the markets' success, and the need if any for additional governmental support. [â¦] Farmers' markets are among several forms of direct farmer marketing -- which also include roadside stands, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), pick-your-own farms, and direct sales to schools -- becoming increasingly popular with small producers and consumers, according to USDA. Farmers' markets in the United States increased by 111% from 1994 to 2004, to more than 3,700. In an August 2000 study, USDA found that 66,700 farmers were selling at farmers' markets; 19,000 of them were relying on such markets as their sole outlet. The study found that annual retail sales totaled $888 million, with 2,760,000 customers spending, on average, $17.30 per week at farmers' markets.
