Your Guide to Visiting Arizona Farmers Markets
Farmers markets play a vital role in our nation’s food system, local economics, and in supporting local communities and connecting people to who grows their food. Learn more about the many and unique farmers markets that Arizona has to offer and the ways that we can support them.
Why We Need Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are fun and social places brimming with the latest food trends and goodies, unique gift items, and a place where new entrepreneurs can showcase their products to the public. Additionally, they serve an important function for local economies and local farmers/ranchers. A farmers market is a place where food (and other goods) are directly sold by the farmer or the maker to the consumer. Farmers and ranchers receive the fullest amount of their dollar by cutting out any middleman or retailer, and consumers receive the freshest produce and directly support our local producers. Also, more of the local dollar circulates into our local economies, which leads to more jobs and economic growth that benefits communities.
How to Sell at Farmers Markets
For many farmers and ranchers, as well as new food businesses, a farmers market is a crucial entry point to introduce your products to consumers and test out your company branding, product SKUs, and the messaging of your items.
Find a step-by-step guide on how to sell at a farmers market here.
The Impact of Your Dollar at a Farmers Market vs. Shopping at a Grocery Store
Did you know that in 2021 farmers received a record-low 14.5 cents for every dollar that Americans spent on food? According to USDA, off-farm costs such as marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing, account for over 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States. The further away you get from the direct-to-consumer way of buying fresh, whole food from a farmer (like at a farmers market), the smaller share of the food dollar they receive. When you purchase food ingredients at a farmers market versus a grocery store, the farmer is able to earn more of the dollar. While retail markets like grocery stores have a role in a local economy (they can buy in bulk or repeat purchase orders from a farmer and make some food items accessible to people that don't shop at a farmers market), there are also trade-offs for the farmer– like earning less of the consumer food dollar and it can be very competitive for product placement at a grocery store with the many other brands available.
Even shopping at a farmers market once a month and spending a small amount of your total food budget strengthens the local economy. Additionally, smaller farmers and ranchers rely on this direct-to-consumer revenue stream and is one of the best ways to support and show them that what they grow and do matters to their community. It’s especially important to support businesses that are just getting started—some of our favorite local food trucks and businesses that are now brick and mortar got their start at a farmers market. The impact of your food dollar when buying straight from a farmer or a local business makes the greatest impact by putting the most money in their pocket immediately.
While some may assume that buying from a farmers market can be more expensive, oftentimes it can be the opposite. When buying produce that is in season, the prices can sometimes be cheaper than buying from grocery stores where produce is grown and shipped from far away and incurs those shipping costs. Additionally, store produce is often packed and shipped when it’s not ripe, so it can also be less nutrient-dense. Fruits and vegetables from the farmers market can be fresher and, therefore, last longer in the refrigerator. For the most bang for your buck, buy directly from a farmer or rancher when food items are in season or if there is a farmer special.
Many farmers markets also accept Double-Up Food Bucks for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) users. This means you can receive twice the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables for the same amount of money spent. Visit the informational booth at your local farmers market for more information.
Where to Find Local Farmers Markets
You can find farmers markets throughout Arizona using the Good Food Finder’s online directory. Visit markets during different times of the year and in varying locations/regions to see what is being offered throughout the state, especially since some areas have different growing seasons. While Phoenix may be too hot to grow certain fruits or vegetables during the summer, a short drive to Prescott or Flagstaff can open up many other food options. Also, visit Indigenous and Native farmers markets to try unique ingredients like mesquite flour, blue corn, cholla buds, and tepary beans.
Here are some noteworthy farmers markets in Arizona to check out (be sure to visit their website or social media before you visit since some are open seasonally and have different hours):
Tips for Visiting Farmers Markets
Preview of who will be at the market. Visit the farmers market website first to see who the vendors are and what food and crafts are there.
Arrive early. The early bird gets the freshest goods, the best parking spot, and avoids the crowds and lines. Set the alarm, grab a cup of local coffee, and plan to arrive at the market when it opens. Rub shoulders with local chefs and other foodies who want first-choice pickings. Most markets open at 7am during the summer months and 8am during the fall/winter seasons. Check their webpages for updated hours.
Grab fresh eggs, protein, and veggies first. Some high-demand items like pasture eggs and meats from your favorite rancher tend to sell out early, so make a beeline for those items and then slow it down to check out all the different food trucks and craft vendors.
Pre-order. Some vendors take pre-orders so if you really want to make sure to get what is on your grocery list (or sleep in), contact your favorite vendors and place a pre-order for pickup.
Squeeze in a market visit during a road trip. Swing by a farmers market during a day or weekend road trip to catch a tasty vibe of that area’s local food scene.
Vote for Your Favorite Arizona Farmers Market
In appreciation of the nation’s farmers markets, American Farmland Trust is hosting the 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration where the public can vote for their favorite farmers market through September 18 and winners will receive $15,000 in prizes (and more). After visiting one of Arizona's bustling farmers markets, make sure to vote for your favorite one here!