Minnesota State Wire

Minnesota will observe National Farmers Market Week from August 3 to 9, with a series of events planned at nine farmers markets across the state. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is collaborating with Minnesota Grown, Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association, Minnesota Farmers Union, and Land Stewardship Project to highlight the role of farmers markets in local communities.

Events are scheduled at locations including Crookston, Moorhead, Glenwood, St. Joseph, Marshall, North Mankato, Eyota, Buffalo, and Virginia. These gatherings aim to bring attention to the importance of farmers markets in supporting both local economies and food access.

According to the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association (MFMA), there are currently 402 farmers markets and over 10,000 market vendors operating throughout Minnesota and Tribal Nations. These venues not only provide fresh produce but also help small and emerging farmers reach consumers directly. Many markets participate in food access programs that make nutritious foods more affordable for residents. They also offer culturally relevant foods that reflect the diversity of their communities.

“With over 400 markets across the state, there’s likely a farmers’ market near you,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Markets rely on the support of their shoppers to remain thriving spaces for local food access and a vital source of income for Minnesota farmers. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is grateful to the market managers, vendors, and volunteers who make farmers’ markets possible.”

Farmers markets play an important economic role in rural areas by giving family farms direct access to consumers. “Farmers’ markets give family farmers the opportunity to bring fresh, nutritious foods to their neighbors, filling a void in many rural communities that otherwise lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Gary Wertish, President of Minnesota Farmers Union. “Farmers’ markets are also an economic boost in rural communities, as consumers spend their dollars with their neighbors, keeping their money in the local community. Studies have shown that this local multiplier effect generates an additional $2 to $6 of additional economic activity for every dollar spent.”

During its 2024 session, Minnesota lawmakers created a new grant program with backing from Land Stewardship Project aimed at strengthening nutrition assistance programs at these venues. Through this initiative’s competitive process, 29 farmers markets received a total of $146,669 in funding.

“Investing in farmers’ markets means investing in the health of our communities and market access opportunities for growers,” said Laura Schreiber, government relations director at Land Stewardship Project. “We’re proud to help ensure Minnesota lawmakers continue to invest in and support these vital public spaces where food, culture, and community come together.”

The MFMA maintains an interactive map so Minnesotans can locate nearby farmers markets at www.mfma.org. Shoppers can also use minnesotagrown.com—a resource developed by MDA’s Minnesota Grown program—to find member farms and producers throughout the state.

The Minnesota Farmers' Market Association aims to foster vibrant and professionally managed local food marketplaces while increasing accessibility for both producers and consumers.

Minnesota Grown has promoted locally produced agricultural goods for more than four decades through resources like its searchable directory of over 1,000 farms and producers statewide.

Minnesota Farmers Union advocates for family farms' economic interests while supporting rural quality of life through membership-based activities.

Land Stewardship Project encourages sustainable agriculture practices across several offices located within Montevideo, Lewiston, and South Minneapolis.