Oregon Farmers' Markets
1987-2004 

Farmers' markets in Oregon have experienced a renaissance in recent years.  Farmers' Markets are friendly community and commercial events that bind together urban and rural citizens in the most traditional of ways - local farmers come to town and sell their products directly to the townspeople in open-air marketplaces. Farmers' markets can be cultural and economic bridges between rural and urban communities of Oregon.  

In general, this new generation of markets has been developed because of a convergence of urban and rural interests.  These new markets in most cases have been organized by either a group of farmers seeking to increase direct market sales or a group of community activist seeking to create a community event and a new attraction in their central business district.  Clearly, these two groups have complimentary interests and markets work best when farmers and community activists work together.  

Since 1988, the number of farmers' markets in the state has also increased dramatically at many markets during the same time period.  Most markets are organized as non-profit corporations with a volunteer board of directors and few employees.  Most are sited on parking lots or public parks; operate one or two days of the week for 5-7 months each year; and charge farmers stall fees of $10-35 per day.  Many markets create a festive atmosphere by providing entertainment, cooking or craft demonstrations and activities for children.  

Many Oregon farmers have renewed interest in direct marketing opportunities because of the deterioration of wholesale markets.  Consolidation in the grocery industry has meant fewer and larger grocery store chains seeking to supply their hundreds of stores from large corporate farms in California and around the world.  In addition, the greater capitalization and economies of scale of the large California corporate farms in combination with the longer growing season and constancy of California climate make it difficult for smaller Oregon growers to be price and quality competitive in the wholesale market. 

In contrast, farmers markets provide an opportunity for farmers to sell directly to consumers and to collect retail rather than wholesale prices for their produce.  Farmers markets represent an opportunity to promote economic development by:  1)import replacement of out-of-state agricultural products with in-state products;  2) transfer of wealth from urban to rural communities in Oregon;  3) capture of tourist dollars; 4) promoting increased commercial activity in central business districts.

Farmers' markets, small and large, urban and rural, value and leverage leverage of collaboration and cooperation for the benefit of all.  One will not find a more dedicated, passionate group of people than market managers and market advocates.  Together, one market at a time, they are taking back our local economies, reintroducing neighbors and securing our food system for the next generation.  

So, enter this creative journey at your own risk, we warn you now, farmers' markets are addictive. The ideas to connect people in a meaningful way is endless.