There are 18 farmers markets in the Puget Sound region and more than 80 statewide. The number of markets statewide has nearly doubled since 1994. Growers big and small Growers selling at the markets run the gamut from the smallest operators like Blakely to growers like Jeff Miller, Monroe, who sells about half of his produce at Seattle farmers markets and most of the rest to a wholesaler. He'll make about half of that at farmers markets. Growers must produce the food they sell themselves, a policy enforced by the honor system.
Farmers know each other, and they know their locale.
Do I ever. Markets have opened in West Seattle and Columbia City, and the Pike Place Market has added an organic growers day on Wednesday, as well as Sunday. Markets in Ballard and in Lake City are being developed. Direct sales through subscription farming are growing as well. Customers pay local growers at the beginning of the season and in return get a fresh bag of produce every week throughout the summer.