The global campaign Farmers Markets Count! (FMCOUNT!), created by the World Farmers Markets Coalition, is entering its third and final phase, focused on counting shoppers at farmers markets. After the success of the first two phases, which highlighted biodiversity and farmers, this final phase marks a key moment to demonstrate the impact of farmers markets on communities and society.

To kick off this phase, an introductory webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 1, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM CEST, open to all participants. The webinar will cover:

• The methodology for counting consumers;
• How to communicate and promote the campaign at your market;
• What to expect from the data collection process.

Those already registered for the campaign can find the registration link in the FMCOUNT! Yearly Calendar. Anyone new wishing to join now can register here to receive all necessary information and links to actively participate.

Collecting shoppers data allows you to:

• Show how popular and appreciated farmers markets are in local communities;
• Communicate the social and economic impact of markets;
• Provide concrete data to support public policies and advocacy strategies;
• Directly engage market visitors, making them active participants in the campaign.

What is Farmers Markets Count!
Farmers Markets Count! (FMCOUNT!) is the first global communication campaign designed to celebrate farmers markets as strategic spaces for:

• Biodiversity, by promoting local products and sustainable practices;
  Inclusive communities, where farmers and consumers interact directly;
• Access to healthy and sustainable diets, educating people on conscious food choices.

The campaign aims to collect concrete data on markets, farmers, and consumers, providing tools for future rural development policies and advocacy strategies at local, national, and global levels.

The campaign unfolds in three annual phases, each focused on a specific theme:

1. Biodiversity – celebrated on International Day for Biological Diversity, with market counts from May 19 to 25;
2. Farmers – highlighting women, youth, and Indigenous communities on World Rural Development Day, from July 3 to 10;
3. Shoppers – the current phase, focused on counting consumers at markets from October 16 to 23, in celebration of World Food Day.

The first two phases already involved market associations worldwide and gathered significant data on markets’ impact on farmers and biodiversity. Now it’s time to focus on consumers, an essential component of farmers markets’ success.

Join us and become a key part of the final phase of Farmers Markets Count!