Benefits of farmers' markets
Reproduced with permission of Kalamunda Farmers Market
Why have a farmers' market? Because farmers' markets benefit:
Producers
- They cut out the middleman allowing increased financial returns through direct selling, price control, and a regular cash flow.
- They provide the producer with direct customer feedback on produce and prices.
- Transport and packaging requirements are less thus reducing the producers' costs.
- They provide a secure and regular market outlet. This is especially valuable for new producers, producers in organic conversion, and small scale producers who are unable to produce the quantity required by supermarkets
- With the increase in market numbers it is possible for individual producers to attend a substantial number of different markets. A number of farmers have indicated that this form of marketing has prevented their businesses from bankruptcy.
Consumers
- They provide direct contact and feedback between customers and producers, so you can be sure how your vegetables are grown and meat produced.
- They help to improve diet and nutrition by providing access to fresh food.
- They play an important role in educating the consumer as to the production and origin of their food.
- They can be a source of information and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients.
The Environment
- They help reduce food miles, thus vehicle pollution, noise, and fossil fuel use.
- They help to reduce packaging.
- They encourage more environmental production practices, such as organic or pesticide free.
- They encourage farm diversification and hence bio-diversity.
The Community & Local Economy
- They help bring life into towns and cities, aiding regeneration.
- They encourage social interaction particularly between rural and urban communities.
- They stimulate local economic development by increasing employment, encouraging consumers to support local business, and thus keeping the money within the local community.
- They attract business to retailers in the vicinity.
- They can encourage the unemployed and under employed to develop new skills, self confidence and income generating possibilities.