FeastNH

2011 FarmersÂ’ Markets Open for the Summer Season


Gail McWilliam Jellie, Director
Division of Agricultural Development / NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food

The majority of New Hampshire’s farmers’ markets are now open, or will be open by the end of June. Shoppers can choose from 85 markets operating weekly from now through October all around the state. Some markets actually open in May and many are now offering winter market locations, with shopping hours several times a month from January through April. One can now shop at certain farmers’ market locations almost year round in New Hampshire.

Direct marketing of farm products through farmers’ markets is an important sales outlet for agricultural producers in New Hampshire and nationwide. Farmers market shopping has continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. According to 2010 US Dept. of Agriculture figures, there were over 6,000 farmers markets operating in the United States. In the ten year period from 2000 to 2010 there has been a 46% increase in US farmers’ market numbers.

New Hampshire has also seen tremendous growth in farmers markets, with over seven times the number of markets as in 1994. With 85 market locations, there is a farmers’ market operating each day somewhere in New Hampshire. The NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food and the NH Farmers’ Market Association support the development and operation of farmers’ markets and other direct marketing activities for agricultural producers. Farmers’ markets offer products such as farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat and dairy products, baked goods, flowers and much more.

Farmers’ markets provide an outstanding venue for farmers to market directly to consumers, giving shoppers an opportunity to establish a personal relationship with those who grew the products and strengthening their appreciation of farmers’ service. Farmers’ markets support communities by bringing the ambience of the farm to the city or town, by making fresh and nutritious food readily available, and by giving consumers the ability to purchase locally grown produce with ease.

Local farmers’ markets will join all US farmers’ markets to celebrate 2011 Farmers’ Market Week, from Aug 7-13 with a variety of special events and activities.

For a list of 2011 farmers’ markets, visit the NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food website at www.agriculture.nh.gov, or the NH Farmers’ Market Association website at www.nhfma.org for the most current list of New Hampshire Farmers’ Markets. Also check back as August draws closer for Farmers’ Market Week events.

For more information, contact the Division of Agricultural Development, NH Dept. of Agriculture, markets & Food at 271-3788, or visit www.agriculture.nh.gov.

For a complete list of 2011 Farmers’ Markets Open for the Summer Season please click here (pdf).