Here you can view our annual Farmer's market report and conclusions, as well as special projects related to farmers' markets, including the results of the 2010 Vermonters poll and a pricing study that NOFA Vermont is conducting.
The 2011 Annual Farmers' Market Survey is available here. Markets, please complete by January 31, 2012.
Farmers' Market Annual Reports
NOFA Vermont administers an annual survey collecting information from farmers' markets across Vermont.
| Year | Number of Markets |
| 2010 | 87 |
| 2009 | 73 |
| 2008 | 64 |
|
2007 |
60 |
| 2006 | 56 |
| 2005 | 55 |
| 2004 | 51 |
| 2003 | 46 |
| 2002 | 45 |
| 2001 | 44 |
| 2000 | 37 |
| 1996 | 27 |
| 1995 | 27 |
| 1994 | 24 |
| 1986 |
19 |
In 2010, 49 of the 65 reporting markets collected gross receipt data of their vendors. The totals reported were divided into 3 major categories: agricultural sales, food sales, and crafts. The total reported gross sales amount is $7,993,334 (up from $6,917,041 reported in 2009 from 45 markets). Agricultural products account for $4,974,775 reported (up from $4,360,648 in 2009, a 12% increase); Processed foods $2,062,120.25 (up from $1,719,422 in 2009); and Crafts and other services $779,868.28 (down from $887,117 in 2009). Some of the reporting markets did not break down their total sales into any categories, which accounts for the discrepancy of these subtotals not equaling the total amount reported. 28% (13) of reporting markets reported agricultural sales of less than 50% of their total (the lowest being 22%). 72% (34) of reporting markets had 50% or more in agricultural sales, and of those markets, 16 had sales over 60% (the highest being 83%). Six markets had craft (and other services) amounts over 20%. Processed food sales average 30% of gross receipts at the six markets that reported that income. Of the markets that reported, 23% of them said their sales decreased, 73% said their sales increased, and 4% said they remained the same compared to the previous year.
Most markets determined their gross sales using an anonymous reporting form for each vendor. The form has the date and an area to write in a dollar amount for agricultural products, prepared food, and craft sales sold during the market. The form is either returned at the end of the market or at the following market.
Farmers’ Market Research Projects and Special Reports
2010 Vermonter Poll:
661 Vermonters responded to the Vermonter Poll, a phone survey conducted annually by Center for Rural Studies at University of Vermont. The following three questions pertaining to Vermont farmers’ markets were part of the poll:
1) In 2009, how many times did you visit a farmers’ market? (The average number was 15)
2) Were there any products that you couldn’t find when you visited these farmers markets? If so, what were these products? (75% of respondents said "no")
3) When you see a food product labeled as “local,” do you assume that it’s organic? (84% said "no")
To view the methods and full results, click here.
2010 Vermont Farmers’ Market Price Comparison Study:
During the summer months of 2010, NOFA-VT is conducting a price comparison study at 12 participating farmers’ markets in Vermont. The study will last 2-3 months and compare farmers’ market prices of 12 items (mostly produce) with prices at surrounding grocery stores. Prices will be gathered 3 times a month. For the full report, click here.