Farmers markets are an integral part of the urban/farm linkage and have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. Farmers markets allow consumers to have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce, enables farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers, and cultivate consumer loyalty with the farmers who grows the produce. Direct marketing of farm products through farmers markets continues to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. As of National Farmers Market Week, (the first full week in August), there were 8,144 farmers markets listed in USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory. This is a 3.6 percent increase from 2012.

Now in its 20th year, USDA’s farmers market is a living demonstration of USDA’s dedication to supporting local and regional food systems and increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods in our community.

2015 OUTDOOR MARKET SCHEDULE

Join us for the opening of USDA’s 2015 Outdoor Farmers Market on Friday, May 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate our military veterans and American agriculture. Learn more…

Location: In a parking lot outside USDA Headquarters on the corner of Independence Avenue and 12th St, SW, Washington, DC 20250.

Dates: Every Friday from May 1 to October 30 (except July 3)

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

NEW! Find or List a Local Food Enterprise:

Farmers Market, CSA, On-Farm Market, Food Hub

NEW! USDA launches National Local Food Directories to help customers locate Farmers Markets, On-Farm Markets, CSAs, and Food Hubs. To better connect farmers and buyers, and enhance awareness of available local food sources, USDA has expanded on the popular and comprehensive National Farmers Market Directory. Household shoppers and wholesale food buyers will be able to quickly identify nearby suppliers of local food, and producers and distributors of local foods to will be able to take advantage of emerging opportunities in both direct-to-consumer and wholesale markets. USDA is currently requesting that managers and owners of local food entities enter their business information in the new directories.

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week from August 2 – August 8, 2015

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