Farmers markets are used by Kentucky growers of all farm sizes and scales.

Overview

“Market gardeners” often tend less than an acre of land to sell produce only at the local farmers market. Larger farms, including Kentucky orchards, may use farmers markets as a secondary seasonal retail outlet to reach more local customers.

Trends & Characteristics

The number of farmers markets in the United States increased from 1,755 to more than 3,700 (111% increase) from 1994 to 2004. The rate of increase was faster in Kentucky, where the number increased from about 30 markets in 1994 to more than 90 markets in 2004. Market numbers continued increasing, reaching 8,720 nationally in 2018. The upward trend in farmers markets also continued in Kentucky, where there were more than 160 farmers markets registered with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) in 2018, representing over 2,700 vendors. The rise in the number and popularity of farmers markets in Kentucky was accompanied by support from the KDA and other state agencies. House Bill 391, enacted in 2003, has allowed the sale of some home processed value-added products at farmers markets. The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board has also offered grants for capital improvements to local and regional farmers markets. The most common reason that customers give for shopping at community farmers markets is the quality of produce. Consumers are more frequently looking for tastes that can only be grown locally — produce that is picked at its peak and sold at its most desirable stage. Successful farmers market vendors are often experimenting with produce variety, packaging and presentation.