In May 2025, around World Biodiversity Day (22 May), the World Farmers Markets Coalition launched FMCOUNT!, a global campaign to measure how much farmers markets contribute to the preservation and promotion of food biodiversity.
What: A global census of food biodiversity found in farmers markets
Where: 52 markets across 16 countries
When: During the week of World Biodiversity Day, 22 May 2025
Who: Local farmers market managers surveyed their own markets, where farmers sell directly to consumers regularly
Why:
- To capture a snapshot of food biodiversity present in member markets
- To build a culture of evaluation among market managers
- To showcase the commitment of farmers markets to protecting and promoting food biodiversity
What’s emerging:
Preliminary results reveal a rich diversity of local, heirloom, and underutilized varieties being sold, confirming that farmers markets are vital spaces for biodiversity to thrive and be shared with the wider community.
