National Farmers Market Week (NFMW), an annual event celebrating the vital role of farmers markets in our nation’s food system, will take place at participating markets across Maine starting the 1st Sunday in August. The NFMW was established by the United States Department of Agriculture as an annual proclamation and has since grown in prominence, becoming a widely anticipated event and an effective tool for farmers market promotion and advocacy.
“While NFMW is a joyous celebration highlighting the importance of farmers markets in our communities, as well as the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make them happen, the week also presents a unique opportunity for market leaders to connect with communities, build relationships with local officials and media, secure sponsorship and grant funding, encourage data collection, and so much more,” said Willa Sheikh, interim executive director of the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), the only national nonprofit dedicated to farmers markets.
“As we kick off National Farmers Market Week, we are also reflecting on the ways farmers markets have been there for us,” continues Sheikh. “Farmers markets are a place of connection, spanning human history and cultures across the globe. They are adaptable, flexible, and durable, showing up for their communities during times of crisis, celebration, and everything in between. Markets are rooted in our past, present, and future, and can help pave the way for the future we want for our communities. It is important that we tell these stories to ensure decision-makers are aware of the value markets bring so they continue to thrive.”
The Farmers Markets industry in the U.S. generated $1.3 billion in revenue in 2023, with market size increasing by 2.6% that year. Over the past five years, the industry has experienced an average annual growth rate of 6.3%. This growth highlights the increasing popularity and economic importance of farmers markets nationwide.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of small farms to regional economies, saying, “When farmers do well, the communities they live in do well.” USDA’s REAP initiative helps rural small businesses and farmers save money on energy costs and diversify income opportunities. USDA also helps farmers develop new markets, and he underlined the importance of local food systems, including farmers’ markets, which return significantly more of shoppers’ dollars to the farmers than mass retailers.
More than 85% of farmers market vendors travel fewer than 50 miles to sell at farmers markets, with over half traveling less than 10 miles, according to the USDA. Maine farmers markets offer Maine Harvest Bucks also known as “Nutrition Incentives”. They increase the spending power of shoppers using SNAP/EBT on local food at participating locations. MHB shoppers get extra healthy, wholesome foods at no extra cost while helping local farmers grow their businesses As hubs for connection and community, farmers markets have provided a necessary sense of unity and stability in recent years, particularly during times of great uncertainty. NFMW aims to recognize the hard work of farmers market operators and ensure their efforts are acknowledged nationwide.
American Farmland Trust recently voted the following farmers markets in Maine as among the best:
1. Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust Saturday Farmers' Market at Crystal Spring Farm in Brunswick
2. Sanford Farmers Market in Sanford
Each year at National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) approaches, it’s a time to celebrate and support local farmers markets, recognizing their crucial role in providing fresh, local produce and fostering community connections. Participating in NFMW events and supporting local markets not only strengthens the local economy but also helps ensure these vital community resources continue to thrive.