Life Sciences Commons^™

The Characteristics Of Consumers And Producers Using Farmers’ Markets, Walter Hugo Anez, Michael R. Thomsen

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

This study examines the perceptions of both consumers and producers towards farmers’ markets. Consumer perceptions are generalized from several previous studies conducted throughout the United States. Producer information was gathered through a survey of members of one farmers’ market in Arkansas. Previous studies, conducted in both rural and urban areas, indicate that the typical famers’ market customer is well educated and is of higher than average income. These consumers place great importance on quality of produce, knowledge that produce is grown locally, and the social interaction obtained through the farmers’ market experience. For producers, the farmers’ market is an important …