By NANCY VORIS
Indiana Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ind. — More than 1,000 new farmers markets have been recorded across the country, according to results released today in the USDA’s 2011 National Farmers Market Directory.

The annual report indicates a total of 7,175 farmers markets operate throughout the United States as more farmers are marketing their products directly to consumers than ever before. Last year, the USDA reported that 6,132 markets were operating across the country.

Indiana, Ohio and Michigan were in the top 10 list of states with the most growth. That list includes:

•Alaska (35 markets, up 46 percent)
•Texas (166 markets, up 38 percent)
•Colorado (130 markets, up 38 percent)
•New Mexico (80 markets, up 38 percent)
•Indiana (171markets, up 37 percent)
•Oklahoma (61 markets, up 32 percent)
•South Dakota (29 markets, up 32 percent)
•Pennsylvania (266 markets, up 31 percent)
•Ohio (278 markets, up 31 percent)
•Michigan (349 markets, up 30 percent)

“The remarkable growth in farmers’ markets is an excellent indicator of the staying power of local and regional foods,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan. “These outlets provide economic benefits for producers to grow their businesses and also to communities by providing increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other foods. In short, they are a critical ingredient in our nation’s food system.”

The Columbus Farmers’ Market is an example of the growth experienced by other markets. It began in 2001 with 12 vendors and has grown to more than 100 vendors of produce, baked goods, meats, arts and crafts, flowers, coffees, pet food and concessions.

An ample parking lot in historic downtown Columbus, Ind., with large, shady trees and park benches provides a relaxing atmosphere. Unfortunately, when the market closes on Sept. 24 the lot will be demolished and a new parking garage erected, so a search is underway for a new market location in 2012.
Market co-managers Lori Moses and Teresa Fischer run a tight ship with distinct rules including requiring vendors to be an integral part of the production process. Wholesale, resale and mass-produced items are prohibited to provide a true farmers market experience.

Weekly entertainment and events including chef demonstrations gives patrons a reason to slow down and enjoy the shopping experience. Attendance has increased each year.

“Most of our customers are local,” said Fischer. “You’ve got music, food… it has become the place to be on Saturday morning.”

Fischer and Moses agree that the economy has had an effect on shopping at the market, with sales down slightly even though attendance is up.
“When money is tight, people are more watchful on how they spend their money, especially the non-food items,” Fischer said.

Information on the Columbus Farmers’ Market and other Indiana markets is available at www.in.gov/apps/ISDA_FarmersMarket/index.aspx

The annual report shows that interest is growing in areas besides the trendsetting states of California and New York. The top 10 states for the number of recorded farmers markets in 2011 were spread across the country:

•California (729 markets)
•New York (520)
•Michigan (349)
•Illinois (305)
•Ohio (278)
•Pennsylvania (266)
•Massachusetts (255)
•Iowa (237)
•Wisconsin (231)
•North Carolina (217)

Updated market listings were submitted to USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service by farmers market managers on a voluntary, self-reported basis between April 18 and June 24, 2011, as part of USDA’s annual outreach effort.
USDA invited market managers to submit desired changes in their market’s Directory profile as well as new market listings.

Information in the Directory is also continually updated throughout the year in response to incoming requests.

The USDA National Farmers Market Directory is available at http://farmersmarkets.usda.gov