Farmers markets in Nebraska are a great opportunity for vegetable and fruit growers in the state to sell to consumers seeking locally produced products.

"We continue to see considerable growth in the number of farmers markets in the state, and don't expect that trend to end anytime as consumer demand for farm-to-table produce remains strong," Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach says. "We have had a good mix of vendors at these markets. They range from full-time producers to hobbyists to farmers who use the opportunity to diversify their current operation."

National Farmers Market week was celebrated across the country Aug. 7-14.

GROWING AG SECTOR: Since 2000, the number of farmers markets registered with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture has increased by 259% — from 39 to 101.

The number of farmers markets in the state, registered with NDA, has seen an increase of 259% in the past 16 years. In 2000, the number of registered markets was 39, increasing to 101 this year.

"Because of the rapidly growing number of farmers markets across the state, we launched an online database last year that can be accessed by both vendors and consumers," says Casey Foster, NDA ag promotions coordinator. "The webpage provides details on locations, days and times of farmers markets across the state. Produce farmers also are given the opportunity to list locations where they sell from, as well as the types of produce they sell."

Foster says there are over 600 producers and 100 farmers markets listed on the site, which can be accessed through the NDA website. There are farmers markets located in 50 counties statewide. Market managers and vendors can be added to the database by contacting Foster at 800-422- 6692.

In addition to coordinating farmers market programs, Foster also manages several federally funded programs. The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program both are designed to increase sales for produce growers by encouraging the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables among qualified senior citizens and individuals in the WIC Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

"The growth of farmers markets in the state has been a win-win for Nebraska," says Ibach. "It provides more opportunities to grow agriculture and more choices for consumers."

Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture