The Economic and Social Benefits of Farmers Markets

Direct from the Oregon farm, May 04, 2005, The Oregonian

… "Farm-direct marketing," … has become a very big deal in Oregon. … Each one of these events sends Oregon growers back to their farms with thousands of dollars from the pockets of city folk who love the fresh radishes, spring greens, early strawberries, baby asparagus, goat cheese, Tillamook Bay oysters and endless other bounty from rural Oregon. …

The 64 farmers markets … may be Oregon's most effective bridge between town and country. … more than 90,000 urban and rural Oregonians connect this way every week …

Then there are the economic benefits: a revenue stream for people who work the land, spin-off enterprises such as bakeries and restaurants, and a much-needed additional way to combat Oregon's hunger problem. Last year, farmers markets around the state provided wholesome food totaling more than $1 million to the state-federal nutrition program serving needy seniors and women with infant children. ...

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