David Nagel, Extension plant and soil sciences specialist at Mississippi State University, said farmers' markets give everyone an advantage, often one that consumers may have a hard time finding elsewhere. Nagel said consumers can enjoy fresh, high-quality products and direct contact with growers.
Producers have a place to sell their vegetables for a profit, but can often beat supermarket prices.
A benefit for growers is they sell at retail rather than wholesale prices at farmers' markets. Consumers can buy much fresher foods for a comparable price. Demand is high because fewer people are growing their own vegetables. At the supermarket, a vegetable for sale is probably picked six days before. The quality of a garden product goes down the longer it is removed from its plant.