Farmers' Markets

In the past decade, the number of farmers' markets in New York State has grown at a rapid rate, and new markets are created all the time. Today, New York has more than 400 farmers’ markets, 250 farm stands, and 10 mobile markets.

The Department supports the state’s network of farmers’ markets through programs that expand sales, promote improved nutrition, and help increase consumption of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. These programs enhance the many important economic, educational, and social benefits that farmers' markets bring to their communities, like offering a marketplace for farmers to sell their products and providing healthy, local foods to consumers.

The Department regulates vendors at farmers’ markets to ensure compliance with New York State food sanitation requirements and to ensure that food is not adulterated or misbranded as outlined in Article 17 of Agriculture and Markets Law. This includes vendors selling raw agricultural products, such as produce and eggs, and processed, packaged foods, such as baked goods and preserved foods.