How Availability and Affordability Affects the Ecological Benefits of Farmers Markets

Public project summary

Farmer's markets are often seen as the centerpiece of sustainable produce consumption and production… but are they? In many suburban and urban communities, farmer’s markets serve as a vital source of local produce and contribute to social, economic, and community wellness. However, existing research and preliminary findings from this project suggest otherwise, highlighting that many Americans perceive farmer’s markets as expensive and inaccessible. This study investigates how affordability and accessibility (location, timing, and other logistical factors) influence the reliance of local produce for its benefits by analyzing consumer behavior. The research examines definitions of locality, sustainable agricultural methods, life cycle assessments, and key factors affecting the carbon footprint of produce. By comparing consumer behaviors—such as purchasing decisions, preferred locations, and income levels—with contributing factors of sustainability, this study seeks to determine whether affordability and accessibility correlate with agricultural environmental benefits. Additionally, data is collected from farmers’ markets in high-, middle-, and low-income areas to explore whether farmer’s markets truly benefit both communities and the environment. The ultimate goal is to assess whether farmer’s markets effectively bridge the gap between environmental sustainability and equitable access to local produce.