Farmers markets gain ground in Maine, study says

UNITY – A study conducted during the past year has revealed that “Maine’s farmers markets are strong, vital and indispensable resources, not only for delicious fresh food, but for the future of farms, farming and local community.”

The study was funded by the Maine Department of Agriculture and conducted by the Eat Local Foods coalition. It was unveiled during a daylong workshop for farmers market participants held at the Common Ground homestead of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

MOFGA director Russell Libby told the dozens of farmers attending the workshop that in 1971, Maine was down to a single farmers market – one in Portland that had been operating since 1790. But by 1976, that number had jumped to 13 and today there are 50 markets operating across the state, with a new one planned to open this spring in Turner.

Susie O’Keefe of Eat Local Foods compiled the study information. “This has been an amazing project. What is extraordinary about Maine’s vendors is the creativity and thought in the display of their products and the pride they have in talking and sharing them.” O’Keefe said she learned that Maine’s farmers markets are diversified and unique, they boost local economies and provide a niche market for small farms.

The study offers a candid portrait of local farmers markets, including their problems. A political atmosphere has divided some markets and the study suggests clear and concise rules of membership to avoid conflict. Some markets surveyed indicated that an outside person should be market master to help reduce the potential for friction.

O’Keefe said the study also indicated that farmers markets with plentiful signs, consistent advertising and diversified events are luring the most customers.

“Abundance, even of similar products, is very appealing,” she wrote. “People tend to be drawn to areas where there is a lot of activity and a number of choices.” Some markets provide entertainment, and others have found great success in adding vendors with nonfarm products such as seafood, baked goods and flowers.

The importance of community support for the markets cannot be overstated, the report concluded. When a local farmers market is vibrant and busy, nearby businesses also benefit, according to the study. Community leaders in cities such as Bath are making farmers markets a permanent part of their overall growth plan.

Throughout the workshop, farmers and vendors formed small groups and held discussions on issues such as market access, starting a market, how to increase the number of vendors, and community support, using each other as resources.

“You have all the answers you need among yourselves,” O’Keefe told the workshop participants.