Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-q99xh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-29T07:30:29.923Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Farmers' market research 1940–2000: An inventory and review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2009

Allison Brown
Allison Brown
Affiliation:
School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155 ([email protected])
Get access

Abstract

The number of retail farmers' markets in the USA increased dramatically in the twentieth century, with a burst of growth experienced after the passage of Public Law 94–463 (PL 94–463), the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976. This article inventories the literature since the Second World War on retail farmers' markets and direct marketing in North America. The inventory includes some lesser known studies from 1970 to 1985. The reports are grouped into four categories by topical area: consumers and vendors, economic impact, social impact and farmers' markets as research sites. Overall, the literature on farmers' markets is found to be scant, leaving ample room for new and exciting explorations of this venerable institution.

Keywords

direct marketingPL 94–463produce marketingretail farmers' markets
Type
Research Article
Information
American Journal of Alternative Agriculture , Volume 17 , Issue 4 , December 2002 , pp. 167 - 176
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2002

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Abbott, J. C., and Makeham, J.P.. 1990. Agriculture Economics and Marketing in the Tropics. 2nd ed.The Longman Group Ltd, Harlow, Essex.Google Scholar
2.Abel, J., Thomson, J., and Maretzki, A.. 1999. Extension's role with farmers' markets: Working with farmers, consumers, and communities. J. Extension 37(5). Web site <www.joe.org/joe/1999october/a4.html> (viewed 25 06 2000).Google Scholar
3.Anderson, J., Smoley, R.A., Morris, J.N. Jr, and Bragg, E.. 1993. Regional farmers' markets: A marketing and design study conducted for Springfield and Colombia MO. Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
4.Anderson, M. D., Hollingsworth, C.S., Van Zee, V., Coli, W.M., and Rhodes, M.. 1996. Consumer response to integrated pest management and certification. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 60(2):97–106.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
5.Andreou, P. (ed.). 1977. Rural and Development Economics. East African Literature Bureau, Nairobi, Kenya.Google Scholar
6.Ballock, R., and Shell, T.. 1991. The importance of wholesale produce markets. Agriculture Marketing Service, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
7.Belk, R. W., Sherry, J.F. Jr, and Wallendorf, M.. 1988. A naturalistic inquiry into buyer and seller behavior at a swap meet. J. Consumer Res. 14:449–470.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
8.Blake, B. 1994. Farmers' market produce prices: A multivariate analysis. Working Paper. Openair-Market Net. Websitewww.openair.org/cyjour/fprice.html (viewed 15 03 1997).Google Scholar
9.Bohannan, P., and Dalton, G. (eds.). 1962. Markets in Africa. Northwestern University Press, Evanston, ILGoogle Scholar
10.Braudel, F. 1982. The Wheels of Commerce. Civilization and Capitalism, 15th–18th Century. Vol. 2 (Reynolds, S., Translator). Collins, London.Google Scholar
11.Brenner, L. 1999. American Appetite: The Coming of Age of a Cuisine. Avon, New York.Google Scholar
12.Brooker, J. R., and Taylor, E.G.. 1977. Direct marketing of produce: The Shelby County Farmers' Market case. Bulletin 569. Agriculture Experimental Station, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.Google Scholar
13.Brown, A. 2001. Counting farmers markets. The Geographical Review 91(4):655–674.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
14.Brucato, J. G. 1948. The Farmer Goes to Town. Burke, San Francisco.Google Scholar
15.Burns, A. F., and Johnson, D.N.. 1996. Farmers' market survey report. Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
16.Capstick, D. F. 1982. A study of direct marketing of farm produce in Arkansas. Bulletin 861. Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.Google Scholar
17.Cartier, K. C. 1994. Direct marketing of produce: A study of farmers' markets in Jackson, Knoxville, and Memphis, Tennessee. Unpublished MSc Dissertation, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.Google Scholar
18.Comptroller General of the United States. 1980. Direct Farmer-To-Consumer Program should be continued and improved. US General Accounting Office, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
19.Connell, C. M., Beierlein, J.G., and Vroomen, H.. 1986. Consumer preferences and attitudes regarding fruit and vegetable purchases from direct market outlets. Paper No. 185. Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park.Google Scholar
20.Cramer, G. L., Jensen, C.W., and Southgate, D.D. Jr. 1997. Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness. 7th ed.John Wiley & Sons, New York.Google Scholar
21.Curry, J., and Oland, H.. 1998. Prince George and region public market study. Environmental Studies Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George.Google Scholar
22.Degner, R. L., Rodan, L.W., and Mathis, K.. 1981. Farmer to consumer direct marketing of selected agricultural commodities in Florida: A summary of producer and consumer benefits. Industry Report 81–11. Florida Agricultural Market Research Center. Gainesville.Google Scholar
23.Eastwood, D. B., Brooker, J.R., and Gray, M.D.. 1995. An intrastate comparison of consumers' patronage of farmers' markets in Knox, Madison, and Shelby counties. Bull. 95–03. Agriculture Experiment Station, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.Google Scholar
24.ECOnomics Institute. 1999. Catalysts for Growth: farmers' markets as a Stimulus for Economic Development. ECOnomics Institute. New Orleans.Google Scholar
25.Egan, M. 1999. Friends of the farmers share their secrets. New York, 08 16, 29.Google Scholar
26.Estes, E. 1985. Community farmers' markets in North Carolina: A study of consumers and sellers in 1981. Agricultural Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Washington DC, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh.Google Scholar
27. FAO. 1975. Food Marketing Systems in Asian Cities. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Bangkok. Thailand.Google Scholar
28.Fisher, A. 1999. Hot peppers and parking lot peaches: Evaluating farmers' markets in low income communities. Community Food Security Coalition, Venice, CA.Google Scholar
29.Fjeld, C., and Sommer, R.. 1982. Regional-seasonal patterns in produce consumption at farmers' markets and supermarkets. Ecol. Food Nutrition 12:109–115.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
30.Foster, M. 1991. From produce to products, public markets are catching on. 19 June. The Associated Press, New York.Google Scholar
31.Fugita, M., Krugman, P., and Venabales, A.. 1999. The Spatial Economy: Cities. Regions and International Trade. MIT Press. Cambridge, MA.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
32.Gale, F. 1997. Farm-to-consumer direct marketing as a rural development tool. Rural Development Perspectives 12(2): 19–25.Google Scholar
33.Gates, J. P. 1996. Tracing the evolution of organic/sustainable agriculture: a selected and annotated bibliography. BLA72. National Agriculture Library, US Department of Agriculture. Washington DC. (Original work published in 1988.)Google Scholar
34.Govindasamy, R., and Nayga, R.M. Jr. 1996. Characteristics of farmer-to-consumer direct marketing customers: An overview. J. Extension 34(4). Web site www.joe.org/joe/1996august/rbl.html (viewed 5 07 1997).Google Scholar
35.Govindasamy, R., Italia, J., and Liptak, C., C. 1997. Quality of agricultural produce: consumer preferences and perceptions. Report P-02137-1-97. Department of Agricultural Economics and Marketing, New Jersey Experiment Station, Rutgers, New Brunswick.Google Scholar
36.Govindasamy, R., Zurbriggen, M., Italia, J., Adelaja, A., Nitzsche, P., and Van Vranken, R.. 1998a. farmers' markets: Producers characteristics and status of their businesses. Report P-02137-6-98. New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station, Cook College, Rutgers, New Brunswick.Google Scholar
37.Govindasamy, R., Zurbriggen, M., Italia, J., Adelaja, A., Nitzsche, P., and VanVranken, R.. 1998b. farmers' markets: Consumer trends, preferences, and characteristics. New Jersey Agriculture Experiment Station, Cook College, Rutgers, New Brunswick.Google Scholar
38.Griffith, D. 2000. Seemingly invisible farms in Southwestern Pennsylvania. In: A geographic perspective of Pittsburgh and the Alleghenies: From Precambrian to Post-industrial. In Patrick, K. and Scarpaci, J. (eds.). Association of American Geographers, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
39.Henderson, P., and Linstrom, H.. 1980. Farmer-to-consumer direct marketing in six states. Agriculture Information Bulletin. US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
40.Henderson., P., and Linstrom, H.. 1981a. Farmer-to-consumer direct marketing: Seven more states. National Food Review (fall). US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, p. 10.Google Scholar
41.Henderson, P., and Linstrom, H.. 1981b. Farmer-to-consumer direct marketing: Update. National Food Review. US Department of Agriculture, Washington DC. Winter, p. 12–14.Google Scholar
42.Henderson, P. L., and Linstrom, H.R.. 1982a. Farmer-to-consumer direct marketing. Selected states, 1979–80. Statistical Bulletin 681. Economic Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
43.Henderson., P., and Linstrom, H.. 1982b. Direct meat marketers fatten farm profits, trim prices. Farmline 3:8–9, 1 July. US Department of Agriculture, Washington DC.Google Scholar
44.Hess, J. 1974. Return of a farmers' market. Organic Gardening and Farming 10:64–67.Google Scholar
45.Hilchey, D., Lyson, T., and Gillespie, G.W.. 1995. Farmers' markets and rural economic development. Farming Alternatives Program, Department of Rural Sociology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.Google Scholar
46.Hodder, B. W., and Ukwu, U.I.. 1969. Markets in West Africa. Ibadan University Press, Ibadan, Nigeria.Google Scholar
47.Hughes, M. E., and Mattson, R.H.. 1992. Farmers' markets in Kansas: A profile of vendors and market organization. Report of Progress 658. Agriculture Experiment Station, Kansas State University, Manhattan.Google Scholar
48. Integrity Systems Cooperative Co. 1997. Adding values to our food system: An economic analysis of sustainable community food systems Integrity Systems Cooperative Co., Logan, Utah, and the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
49.Jack, R. L., and Blackburn, K.L.. 1984a. Consumers' opinions, attitudes and use of direct markets in West Virginia. Bull. 686. Agricultural and Forestry Research Station, West Virginia University, Morgantown.Google Scholar
50.Jack, R. L., and Blackburn, K.L.. 1984b. Effect of place of residence on consumer attitudes concerning fresh produce marketed through direct farm markets in West Virginia. Bull. 685. Agricultural and Forestry Research Station, West Virginia University, Morgantown.Google Scholar
51.Kaminsky, P. 1999. Amazing tastes. New York, 16 08, 22–28, 80.Google Scholar
52.Kantor, L. S., Lipton, K., Manchester, A., and Oliveira, V.. 1997. Estimating and addressing America's food losses. Food Review 20(1). Economic Research Service, US Department of Agriculture, Washington. DC. Web site www.ers.usda.gov/publications/foodreview/jan1997/Google Scholar
53.Karim, M. B. 1981. A Farmers' Market in America. Hearthstone, New York.Google Scholar
54.Kenyon., D., Grantham, M. and Edgar, T.. 1979. Economic feasibility and financing of farmers' markets. Department of Agriculture Economics, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg.Google Scholar
55.Kitasei, H. H. 1992. Sustainable agriculture and suburban markets: What's the connection? The League of Women Voters of Briarcliff. Ossining. Croton and Courtlandt, Briarcliff Manor, New York.Google Scholar
56.Klotz, J. C. 1998. Farmer direct marketing bibliography. BLA-132. Wholesale and Alternative Markets, US Department of Agriculture. Washington, DC.Google Scholar
57.Ladzinski, K., Toensmeyer, U.C., and Kerr, H.W. Jr. 1983. Characteristics of Delaware direct market users and non-users. Bull. 447. Agriculture Experiment Station, University of Delaware. Newark.Google Scholar
58.Leones, J., Dunn, D., Worden, M., and Call, R.E.. 1995. A profile of visitors to fresh farm produce outlets in Cochise County, Arizona. Direct Farm Marketing and Tourism Handbook. University of Arizona, Tuscon.Google Scholar
59.Lev, L., and Stephenson, G.. 1998. Analyzing three farmers' markets in Corvallis and Albany, Oregon. Extension Service, Oregon State University, Corvallis.Google Scholar
60.Linstrom, H.R. 1978. Farmer-to-consumer marketing. ESCS-01. Economics, Statistics, and Cooperatives Service, US Department of Agriculture. Washington, DC.Google Scholar
61.Linstrom, H., and Henderson, P.. 1979. Farmer-to-consumer marketing. National Food Review (fall). US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, p. 22–23.Google Scholar
62.Linstrom, H., and Henderson, P.. 1980. Direct marketing of fresh foods. National Food Review (winter), US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, p. 20.Google Scholar
63.Linstrom, H., and Wiser, V. 1978. Direct marketing. National Food Review (April). US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
64.Lockeretz, W. (ed.). 1987. Sustaining agriculture near cities. Soil and Water Conservation Society, Ankeny, Iowa.Google Scholar
65.Lyson, T. A., Gillespie, G.W. Jr, and Hilchey, D.. 1995. Farmers' markets and the local community: Bridging the formal and informal economy. Amer. J. Alternative Agric. 10(3): 108–113.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
66.McGrath, M. A., Sherry, J.F., and Heisley, D.D.. 1993. An ethnographic study of an urban periodic marketplace: Lessons from the Midville farmers' market. J. Retailing 69(3):280–319.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
67.McLaughlin, E. W., and Perosio, D.J.. 1994. Fresh fruit and vegetable procurement dynamics. Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.Google Scholar
68.Metcalf, J. 1999. Dane County farmers' market offers diversity, quality. The Vegetable Growers News, Sparta Michigan. 01, p. 62–63.Google Scholar
69.Morales, A., Balkin, S., and Persky, J.. 1995. The value of benefits of a public street market: The case of Maxwell Street. Economic Development Quarterly 9(4):304–320.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
70.Newman, M. 1997. In search of food security: Farmers' markets are helping to create a new urban food distribution system. In Season. Web site www.seasonalchef.com/security.htm (viewed 18 08 1998).Google Scholar
71.Paarlberg, D. 1980. Farm and food policy: issues of the 1980s. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln.Google Scholar
72.Preston, E. A., Borczyk, A., Miller, B., Stone, P., Hatton, B., Chagla, A., and Hocken, J.. 1998. A community outbreak of Salmonella berta associated with a soft cheese product. Epidemiology and Infection 120(1):29–35.Google Scholar
73.Price, C. C., and Harris, J.M.. 1998. Potential food loss recovery from farmers' markets: An application of geographical information system analysis. Amer. J. Agric. Econ. 80(5): 1207.Google Scholar
74.Pyle, J. 1971. Farmers' markets in the United States: Functional anachronisms? The Geographical Review 61(2):167–197.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
75.Rhodus, T., Schwartz, J., and Hoskins, J.. 1994. Ohio consumer opinions of roadside markets and farmers' markets. Report to the Ohio Rural Rehabilitation Program. Ohio State University, Columbus.Google Scholar
76.Roy, E. P., and Jordan, E.. 1977. Consumer's evaluation of retail farmers' markets in Louisiana. Louisiana Rural Economist 39(4):12–16.Google Scholar
77.Roy, E. P., Leary, D., and Law, J.M.. 1977. Consumer evaluation of farmers' markets in Louisiana. Research Report No. 516. Department of Agriculture Economics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.Google Scholar
78.Roy, E. P., Leary, D., and Law, J.M.. 1978. Sellers of produce at Louisiana farmers' markets. Research Report No. 534. Department of Agriculture Economics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.Google Scholar
79.Rural Enterprise. 1987. Surveying customers is vital to direct marketing. Rural Enterprise 1(4):11–15.Google Scholar
80.Schooley, R. E., Bascom, P.F., Conners, D., and Lewis, R.. 1989. Direct marketing survey. New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Albany.Google Scholar
81.Sherry, J. F. Jr. 1988. Market pitching and the ethnography of speaking. Advances in Consumer Research 15:543–547.Google Scholar
82.Sherry, J. F. Jr. 1990a. A sociocultural analysis of a midwestern American flea market. J. Consumer Research 17(06):13–30.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
83.Sherry, J. F. Jr. 1990b. Dealers and dealing in a periodic market: informal retailing in ethnographic perspective. J. Retailing 66(2): 174–200.Google Scholar
84.Sherry, J. F. Jr. 1998. Understanding markets as places: An introduction to servicescapes. In Sherry, J.F. Jr (ed.). Service Scapes: The Concept of Place in Contemporary Markets. NTC Business Books, Lincolnville, IL.Google Scholar
85.Sinclair, W. 1990. Witness to a revolution; the growing momentum behind producer-only farmers' market. The Washington Post, 31 10.Google Scholar
86.Smith, R. H. T. 1979. Periodic market-places and periodic marketing: Review and prospect – I. Progress in Human Geography 3:471–505.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
87.Smith, R. H. T. 1980. Periodic market-places and periodic marketing: Review and prospect – II. Progress in Human Geography 4:1–31.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
88.Sommer, R., and Wing, M.. 1980. Farmers' markets please their customers. California Agric. (April): 10–12.Google Scholar
89.Sommer, R., Herrick, J., and Sommer, T.. 1981. The behavioral ecology of supermarkets and farmers' markets. J. Environmental Psychology 1:13–19.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
90.Sommer, R., Stumpf, M., and Bennett, H.. 1982. Quality of farmers' market produce: Flavor and pesticide residues. J. Consumer Affairs (Summer): 130–136.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
91.Stephenson, G., and Lev, L.. 1998. Common support for local agriculture in two contrasting Oregon cities. Extension Service, Oregon State University. Corvallis.Google Scholar
92.Swanson, R. B., and Lewis, C.E.. 1991. Food acquisition, availability and allocation in urban Alaska. Home Economics Research J. 19:303–314.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
93.Toothman, J. S. 1981. Sales revenues and selling costs in farmer-to-consumer marketing. Agric. Econ. Rural Sociol. Report 153. Pennsylvania State University, University Park.Google Scholar
94.Urban Market Collaborative, Inc. and USDA. 1996. Redevelopment plans for the North Market—Columbus, Ohio. Wholesale and Alternative Markets Program, Agriculture Marketing Service, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
95.USDA. 1992. Census of Agriculture. National Agriculture Statistics Service, US Department, of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
96.USDA. 1997. Census of Agriculture. National Agriculture Statistics Service, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
97.USDA and University of Georgia. 1996. Thomasville, Georgia, regional market facility feasibility study. Agriculture Marketing Service, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, and the University of Georgia, Athens.Google Scholar
98.Wann, J. L., Cake, E.W., Elliott, W.H., and Burdette, R.F.. 1948. Farmers' produce markets in the United States. Part 1. History and description. US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC.Google Scholar
99.Wynne, K., and Roth, M.. 1997. Ithaca farmers' market economic impact study: Consumer and vendor survey. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Thompkins County, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.Google Scholar