A farmer's market is usually a physical retail market, where the farmers sell their produce directly to consumers. A typical market of the farmers will comprise of booths, stands or tables, either indoors or outdoors. The farmers usually sell vegetables, grains, fruits, meats, cereals, spices and also occasional foods and beverages. In some markets, farmers also sell locally unavailable imported goods and delicacies, along with crafts and personal goods. This market of the farmers adds value both to the farmers and to the community. This market exists on a global level but reflects the local cultures and economies. The size of this market can vary between just a few stalls to areas that can cover several city blocks.
Benefits of Farmer's Market to Farmers
The major benefit that accrues to farmers from this market is higher profits, compared to the sale of their produce to wholesalers, large grocery firms or food processors. When the farmers sell directly to consumers, they need
• Lesser transportation
• Lesser time in storage
• Lesser requirement of refrigeration
• Lesser handling
Further, when they sell in an organized outdoor or indoor farmer's market, the costs related to land, buildings and other expenses like lighting or air conditioning are also drastically reduced or completely eliminated. Further, the farmers can always augment their profits from this direct selling by offering the excess produce to canneries or other food processing companies. Moreover, consumers also perceive that they are getting better quality products and fresh products compared to what they get from grocers, which allows farmers to retain the cost saving of intermediaries to themselves. Additionally, selling directly to consumers is an easy and uncomplicated process, while selling to large conglomerates may be complex requiring contracts and bank payments.
Benefits of Farmer's Market to Consumers and Communities
The major benefits that consumers and communities obtain from a farmer's market are
• This market helps in improving and maintaining critical social ties that link the rural communities with urban populations.
• Traffic to farmer's market generates and improvements traffic to other nearby businesses.
• When consumers buy at this market, they automatically begin to notice the ongoing activities and surrounding area, resulting in a higher social awareness.
• When outlets get created for local products, the market offers uniqueness and distinctiveness, increases pride of the farmers and also encourages the consumers to return frequently or regularly.
• The lower transportation and storage facilities reduce energy costs, transport pollution, infrastructure costs and land required for storage.
Thus, a farmer's market is beneficial both for farmers and the communities.