In this Issue:
In the five years between the 2002 Farm Bill and the upcoming 2007 Farm Bill, over 1,000 new farmers markets have opened in the United States, bringing the total number of markets operating to over 4,300. With this dramatic rise has come more retail marketing opportunities for family farms as well as increased access to fresh, healthy, local produce for our communities. Less thought about, but equally important are the benefits brought about by markets for bridging the urban and rural divide, and creating and activating public spaces, leading to increased neighborhood interaction.
PPS held its fourth annual farmers market briefing in Washington, DC on Thursday, May 3, 2007. Over 80 people attended the briefing, which focused on the benefits and needs of farmers markets and public markets, with special attention given to the role of these markets in the upcoming 2007 Farm Bill.
Ten farmers markets across the United States will grow and diversify their operations, while broadening the social, cultural, and economic impacts on the communities they serve and becoming better community gathering places. They are the recipients of ten grants, totaling $417,742, which were awarded by Project for Public Spaces (PPS) this February.
