Winter Markets Are On The Rise

The latest news from the USDA is proof positive America’s taste for locally grown food is growing. A recent USDA report revealed that since 2010, winter farmers markets increased by 38%, from 886 to 1,225. That means more locally produced fruits and vegetables will be accessible to the underserved all year long.

 
Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, says an extended farmers market season also means an extended growing season for local farmers.

“Consumers are looking for more ways to buy locally grown food throughout the year. Through winter markets, American farmers are able to meet this need and bring in additional income to support their families and businesses.”

 
The news comes as no surprise to Wholesome Wave. Several of our farmers markets partners have extended their seasons. Last year, operators of the Billings Forge Community Works attributed their transition to becoming a year-round-market, in part, to the large redemption rate of SNAP and WIC benefits. Shoppers there are taking advantage of our Double Value Coupon Program.

 
Skip Paul, a farmer at Wishing Stone Farm in Little Compton, Rhode Island said in the USDA Press Release, winter markets make financial sense.

“Our sales at the winter market even out our income over the year, eliminating some of the highs and lows of our financial situation.”

 

You would think that year-round farmers markets are less common in colder regions of the US, however, with 180 in operation this year, the state of New York tops the list of the most winter farmers markets. The state of California came in second with 153.
The USDA says thanks to the adoption of affordable technologies, such as hoop houses, many farmers in colder regions are able to produce locally-grown foods way past the traditional growing season.

 
Rita Decker-Perry, the Market Manager at Billings Forge Community Works in Hartford, CT, says one of her young participating farmers is extending his growing season this year by growing hydroponic lettuce.

“We talked a week ago and he’s always experimenting with stuff. He’s young, sort of happy farmer saying here’s my potatoes and eggs but I want to try other stuff. It will be interesting to see what he has.”