Roadside Stands and Farmers Markets


Before improved transport, fresh fruits and vegetables were produced locally and were available only on a seasonal basis. In winter, only sturdy products such as 'apples, potatoes, onions, pickles, sauerkraut, and some dried fruits' were to be found (Wann and others, 1948, 7). Yet consumers still wanted fresh produce.” Brown, A. (2001) "Counting Farmers Markets," Geographical Review, 91(4), p. 658

By the early 20th century, improvements in transportation and the development of refrigeration made selling farm products further from home easier and more profitable. Yet for farmers located close to urban areas, selling their goods directly to consumers remained a viable option.

In this section we look at direct marketing enterprises such as roadside stands and farmers markets. Then and now, these enterprises allowed farmers to meet consumer demand for fresh local food by selling their products on their farm, on the side of the road, or in nearby urban areas.

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