Portland Farmers Market has opened two new markets this summer because of increased demand.
According to numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets in the U.S. has increased 170 percent over the last ten years.
It’s good news for farmers market vendors like Baird Family Orchards. Owner Trevor Baird says he used to just do markets on weekends, but now it’s a full time job. Because of this, he’s been able to cut back on wholesale accounts and focus almost exclusively on selling directly to the consumer.
Senior Market Manager for Portland Farmers Market, Jaret Foster, says markets have undergone a resurgence as people look for ways to socialize and be part of a community.
Farmers markets, he says, also offer a more sustainable and premium product.
Food sold at a farmers market has traveled an average of 50 miles while food at a grocery store has usually traveled over 1,500 miles.
Farmers Markets don’t always succeed. Portland Farmers Market’s Pearl District location closed last summer due to lack of growth.
The opening of the two new markets this summer means there are six markets operating under the umbrella of Portland Farmers Market.
The new markets are the Pioneer Square Market and the NW 23rd Market.
Each Portland Farmers Market operates on a different day and offers a unique mix of vendors.
For more information go to www.portlandfarmersmarket.org.
See the video of Jaret on Net Green News here
