News – Farmers Market News

March 27, 2025March 29, 2025

Farmers Market Mushrooms: A Springtime Delight

Spring is here, and with it comes the bounty of farmers markets filled with fresh, seasonal produce. While many shoppers flock to markets for leafy greens, sweet berries, and crisp root vegetables, there’s one ingredient that deserves a spotlight—mushrooms.

Common morel fungus growing in the forest

Morels: The Jewel of Spring Mushrooms

One of the most coveted springtime mushrooms is the morel. These wild mushrooms begin to appear in early March and are sought after for their earthy, rich flavor and delicate honeycomb texture. Unlike other mushrooms that can become soft when cooked, morels hold their shape, making them an excellent choice for sautéing, roasting, or adding to risottos and pastas.

The short growing season of morels makes them a rare treat. If you see fresh morels at your local farmers market, grab them while you can! Their light woodland aroma and caramel-like depth add an incredible dimension to any dish.

Why Buy Mushrooms at a Farmers Market?

Farmers markets are one of the best places to buy mushrooms, whether wild-foraged or cultivated by small, sustainable farms. Here’s why:

Freshness – Market mushrooms are often harvested within days of being sold, ensuring peak flavor and texture.
Variety – In addition to morels, markets often carry other specialty mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane.
Sustainability – Many small-scale farmers grow mushrooms organically or forage them responsibly, preserving natural ecosystems.
Support Local Growers – Purchasing mushrooms from local farms helps sustain small businesses and encourages ethical growing practices.

Cooking with Fresh Market Mushrooms

Mushrooms are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy morels is by sautéing them in butter with a touch of salt and pepper. Serve them on toast, toss them with pasta, or stir them into risotto for a dish that highlights their unique umami flavor.

Before cooking, be sure to clean morels properly—use a dry paper towel or soft brush to remove any dirt from their honeycomb-like surface.

Experience the Best of Spring at the Farmers Market

Mushrooms may not always be the star of the market, but they should be. Whether you’re a home cook, a foodie, or someone looking to explore new flavors, fresh market mushrooms offer an unmatched depth of taste and texture.

Next time you visit your local farmers market, don’t overlook the mushroom stall—you may just discover your next springtime favorite!

March 22, 2025March 22, 2025

Inflation Reshapes Fresh Produce Buying Habits: Opportunities for Farmers Markets

According to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2024 survey, 68% of U.S. consumers are purchasing a greater variety of fresh produce than 20 years ago. However, inflation is influencing spending habits, with 89% of shoppers believing they are paying more for fresh produce than last year.

Key Insights for Farmers Markets

Shoppers Are Adapting to Higher Costs: While 55% of consumers are maintaining or increasing their fresh produce intake, 31% report buying less, and 45% expect to cut back due to inflation. Some are switching to lower-cost items, while 11% are growing their own.
Organic and Packaged Produce See Declines: One-third of consumers are buying less organic produce, while berries (33%) and packaged items (31%) have also taken a hit.
Retailer Competition Is Growing: 46% of shoppers are actively comparing prices, and 12% are switching to lower-priced retailers.

Top-Selling Produce & Market Opportunities

Bananas remain the most-purchased fresh produce item, with 82% of consumers buying them in the past year—edging out apples (78%) and tomatoes (64%). Other widely purchased items include grapes (63%), carrots (61%), potatoes (60%), onions (60%), and strawberries (60%).

Farmers market vendors should highlight these high-demand staples while promoting affordable, locally grown options to attract cost-conscious shoppers. Additionally, offering competitive pricing on organic and packaged produce may help recover sales lost to inflation.

With price sensitivity increasing, farmers market sponsors and managers can enhance consumer engagement through pricing transparency, bundle deals, and promotions on in-season, high-demand items. Adapting to these shifting trends will help sustain and grow fresh produce sales despite inflationary pressures.

Most-Purchased Fresh Produce (Past 12 Months)

Produce	% Purchased	Produce	% Purchased
Bananas	82%	Green beans	35%
Apples	78%	Sweetpotatoes	34%
Tomatoes	64%	Limes	33%
Grapes	63%	Blackberries	33%
Carrots	61%	Cauliflower	33%
Potatoes	60%	Cantaloupe	33%
Onions	60%	Green onion	31%
Strawberries	60%	Raspberries	28%
Bell peppers	58%	Pears	27%
Blueberries	54%	Clementines/Mandarins	26%
Broccoli	53%	Mangoes	25%
Cucumbers	52%	Brussels sprouts	23%
Avocados	51%	Specialty peppers	23%
Watermelon	51%	Plums	21%
Oranges	49%	Squash	20%
Lemons	47%	Honeydew	19%
Celery	43%	Kiwifruit	18%
Garlic	42%	Nectarines	17%
Lettuce (bulk)	42%	Grapefruit	17%
Salad mix	40%	Eggplant	16%
Corn on the cob	39%	Kale	16%
Mushrooms	39%	Radishes	13%
Pineapple	38%	Beets	13%
Cherries	37%	Cranberries	12%
Peaches	37%	Apricots	12%
Cabbage	37%	Asian pears	11%
Asparagus	37%	Pomegranates	10%
Spinach	36%	Papayas	10%
		Sprouts	10%
		Artichokes	10%
		Specialty mushrooms	9%
		Pluots	3%

March 7, 2025March 7, 2025

National Survey Reveals Diverse Benefits of Farmers Market Attendance

A new national study reveals that farmers markets are much more than just a place to buy fresh produce; they are vital community hubs that boost health, foster social connections, and support local economies. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Farmers Market Coalition, and published in the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, provides compelling evidence of the widespread benefits of these community spaces.

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March 4, 2025March 7, 2025

Oregon Agriculture Leaders, Farmers Brace For Retaliatory Tariffs

President Donald Trump on Tuesday slapped 25% across-the-board tariffs on imported goods from Canada and Mexico – our nation’s largest trading partner. Chinese goods entering the U.S. face an additional 10% tariff. That’s got Oregon food and agriculture leaders worried that retaliatory tariffs will hurt Oregon farmers.

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