Farmers' Market Managers/Promoters

According to the Agricultural Marketing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there were 1,755 farmers' markets operating in the United States in 1994. In 2004 that number had more than doubled to 3,706. Since then, even more markets have opened and begun operations. In 2024, there were 9,505 farmers' markets. 

Demand for farm-fresh food has been on the rise for more than a decade. To meet this demand, the farmers' market business is also growing, which is good news for farmers' market managers. "The farmers market industry has seen revenue growth in recent years," according to the data analytics firm IBISWorld. "This has been partially due to rising prices of fruits and vegetables being passed along to consumers, resulting in higher revenue. Barriers to entry to the farmers market industry are low."

While the U.S. Department of Labor forecasts an employment decline of 2 percent for farmers overall through 2033, many small-scale farming businesses and those in related professions are finding success in specialty niches, such as organic food production as well as in farmers' markets that cater to urban and suburban customers. Farmers' market managers will, therefore, be needed to help build and maintain relationships with farmers and to get word out to consumers about the markets.