Farmers Markets & Public Markets
Wednesday the 18th of January 2006
According to the US Department of
Agriculture (USDA), the number of farmers markets increased 40% in the
last decade, to nearly 4,000. New markets have recently opened in
cities as diverse as Milwaukee, San Francisco, and Dayton, while
historic markets from Los Angeles to Detroit and Philadelphia are being
revitalised. Most of these markets are located in downtown and some 15%
- according to the Environmental Defence Fund/The Farmers Market
Project - are sponsored by downtown association and chambers of
commerce.
The benefits of markets are manifold. Farmers markets provide
economic opportunities for farmers and local entrepreneurs to start new
businesses. As destinations and gathering places, they bring people and
activity to downtowns and neighbourhoods, and provide spin-off benefits
to adjacent business. Markets bring healthy food to communities,
especially important in these days of increasing obesity, asthma, and
diabetes.
The U.S Congress has funded a $1 million promotion program for
farmers markets. Second, USDA is working to see how it can better
coordinate its various funding programs for farmers markets.
The 2007 Farm Bill represents a major opportunity to reshape federal
policy to be more supportive of marketing opportunities for small-and
medium-sized farms. A coalition of environmental, agriculture, and food
security groups is advocating for an agriculture policy less dominated
by agro-businesses and more supportive of initiatives like farmers
markets.
Downtown associations can play a key role. With so many markets
located in downtowns, downtowns can be a prime beneficiary of increased
investment for more market management, promotion, and construction.
The US experience should give Irish Farmers food for thought.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the number of farmers markets increased 40% in the last decade, to nearly 4,000. New markets have recently opened in cities as diverse as Milwaukee, San Francisco, and Dayton, while historic markets from Los Angeles to Detroit and Philadelphia are being revitalised. Most of these markets are located in downtown and some 15% - according to the Environmental Defence Fund/The Farmers Market Project - are sponsored by downtown association and chambers of commerce.
The benefits of markets are manifold. Farmers markets provide economic opportunities for farmers and local entrepreneurs to start new businesses. As destinations and gathering places, they bring people and activity to downtowns and neighbourhoods, and provide spin-off benefits to adjacent business. Markets bring healthy food to communities, especially important in these days of increasing obesity, asthma, and diabetes.
The U.S Congress has funded a $1 million promotion program for farmers markets. Second, USDA is working to see how it can better coordinate its various funding programs for farmers markets.
The 2007 Farm Bill represents a major opportunity to reshape federal policy to be more supportive of marketing opportunities for small-and medium-sized farms. A coalition of environmental, agriculture, and food security groups is advocating for an agriculture policy less dominated by agro-businesses and more supportive of initiatives like farmers markets.
Downtown associations can play a key role. With so many markets located in downtowns, downtowns can be a prime beneficiary of increased investment for more market management, promotion, and construction.
The US experience should give Irish Farmers food for thought.