• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Has America’s obsession with farmer’s markets peaked?

By
Anne VanderMey
Anne VanderMey
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Anne VanderMey
Anne VanderMey
Down Arrow Button Icon
May 25, 2015, 1:00 PM ET
The End of Farmers' Market Fever

After decades of hypergrowththe proliferation of farmers’ markets in the U.S. appears to have finally plateaued. The number of markets in the USDA directory ticked up just 1.5% last year, to 8,268, after 19 years of 19% average annual growth. But that doesn’t mean the country’s $11.7 billion appetite for local food is abating. “There’s no question it’s a broader adoption,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack tells Fortune. Grocery stores, restaurants, and schools are buying more local food than ever, which means “more stable” sales for farmers, Vilsack says. Plus easier access for diners. The locavore is officially mainstream.

This story is from the June 1, 2015 issue of Fortune magazine.

About the Author
By Anne VanderMey
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.