Farmers Markets and Missouri
Great news this week as Missouri jumped 10 spots in the number of farmers markets nationwide. Our state was 19th, but is now ranked 9th for states with the most farmers markets. This is based on listings in the USDA directory. Missouri now boasts 246 markets, soaring ahead of most other states, in just 1 year.
Farmers markets are a part of one of the fastest growing segments of agriculture. Direct sales of food products from farmers to individual consumers, according to the latest Census of Agriculture, have increased by nearly 50% from 2002 to 2007. Local food sales now stand at nearly $7 billion and there are more than 8,000 farmers markets nationwide. This confirms the growth and sustainability of this critical cog in the wheel of our nation’s food system and supply. They are a vital part of making healthy produce accessible to all. And at the same time, they provide important economic opportunities for farmers.
These markets are becoming more diverse and a larger number of farms, large and small, are participating. We must work to keep older farmers markets strong, while providing a chance for newer markets to grow and prosper. Visit one today:
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Kansas City |
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Beacon Facility Farmer's Market |
Kansas City |
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Blue Springs |
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Kansas City |
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Kansas City |
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Independence |
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Lee's Summit |
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Lexington |
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Gladstone Farmers' Market |
Gladstone |
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Grand Court Farmers' Market |
Kansas City |
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Grandview |
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Independence |
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Odessa |
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Kansas City |
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Independence |
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Kansas City |
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Jackson |
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Kansas City |
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Concordia |
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Lafayette County Farmers' Market - Higginsville |
Higginsville |
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Lexington |
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Odessa |
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Lawson |
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Marshall |
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Waverly |
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North Kansas City |
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Kansas City |
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Lexington |
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Kansas City |
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Kansas City |
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Kansas City |
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Kansas City |