THE IMPACT OF FARMERS MARKETS UPON BIODIVERSITY, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND CONSUMER FOOD ENVIRONMENTS

The Farmers Markets Count! 2025 report, explores the contribution of farmers markets to biodiversity conservation, rural development, and consumer food environments worldwide.

Through an international campaign conducted across three phases in 2025, the report examines how farmers markets support agricultural diversity, strengthen local economies, sustain family farming, and foster closer connections between producers and consumers.

The findings highlight the importance of farmers markets as strategic infrastructures for sustainable food systems. The biodiversity survey covered 54 markets across 16 countries, documenting an average of 63.75 distinct food products per market. The rural development research examined farmers’ livelihoods, market operations, and local economic connections, while the consumer survey gathered insights from 792 shoppers, revealing strong customer loyalty and a preference for food quality, local products, and organic or chemical-free production.

Beyond their role as places of food exchange, farmers markets emerge as important spaces for preserving traditional varieties, supporting women and young farmers, promoting food education, and strengthening community relationships.

The report concludes by calling for greater institutional recognition of farmers markets within biodiversity conservation, agricultural development, public health, food policy, and urban planning. It also emphasises the importance of strengthening data collection and evaluation to better understand and communicate their social, economic, and environmental contributions.

Farmers Markets Count 2025 demonstrates that farmers markets are more than retail spaces: they are essential components of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable local food systems.