Unveiling the Untold Story: The Fascinating Evolution of Farmers' Markets
- ofmvendorrep
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 10
As our off-season concludes and in honor of our grand opening on April 5, 2025, I wanted to share a brief history of Farmers' Markets.
It is believed that Farmers’ Markets originated in Egypt over 5000 years ago. Farmers and artisans gathered in urban areas to sell their products. Transactions were typically trades rather than monetary exchanges, and items were said to be valued by weight. The first Farmers’ Markets in North America date back to the 1600s. Markets were the main way for urban consumers to obtain meats, dairy, and fresh produce. These markets were major economic hubs and drew many people to city centers.
In the 1800s and 1900s, farmers’ markets were crucial not only for economic prosperity but also for social interaction, as they were often the sole means for rural and urban community members to connect. Farmers’ Markets remained the primary method of buying and selling food until the early 1900s, with diminishing control and rising competition in the food systems.
In the 1950s and 1960s, with better roads and high-speed transportation, along with the rise of grocery stores, farmers’ markets began to decline. By the 1990s, it was estimated that food in the United States traveled an average of 1300 miles and changed hands six times before consumption.
However, in the 1970s, farmers’ markets gained popularity once more, with more markets emerging! In Alberta, from 1974 to 1998, the number of registered farmers’ markets increased from just 16 to 115. That’s a rise of over 600 percent! WHY? Well, the answer lies in why WE shop at farmers’ markets.
Farmers’ Markets offer the combined advantage of high-quality, fresh products and a social environment. Customers concerned about food safety can inquire about production practices, farming techniques, and business policies. In large cities, the farmers’ market might be the only source of fresh produce for low-income, inner-city residents. Farmers’ Markets also serve as excellent educational tools regarding our local economies, farming in general, food systems, environmental issues related to food production, and general food knowledge: how to prepare it, eat it, and more.
Our vendors are proud to be part of this rich tradition of ensuring we are fed and nourished! As you know, and as we always say, our vendors grow it, raise it, make it, and bake it – they have the answers to your questions and are proud of their responses and grateful for your interest. Be sure to ask your questions April 5 at the market. We’ll see you there!
Who Can You Find at the
Farmers' Market?
This is the list, folks! See who you can find at the Farmers’ Market Saturday, April 5! Click on their names to learn more about their farms and businesses!
Live Music (10 a.m. 12 to p.m.): Bill Long
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