The 15 State Farmers' Markets are owned by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and are operated as a bureau within the Division of Marketing and Development. Self-supporting, other than the capital investment, these markets are maintained through income derived form a combination of package fees, packing house, cooler and offices rentals and truck scale fees. Their function is to provide facilities for assembling and marketing Florida produce. Through volume production and marketing, effective competition is assured for both small and large growers and buyers. Services offered and methods of sale vary from market to market, including telemarketing direct sales, broker sales, etc., with shipping point inspection available.
Produce often is sold by sample, resulting in satisfaction to both producers and buyers.
The volume varies greatly with small or large truck lots supplying purchasers' needs in species or variety of produce. Farmers and buyers receive market managers' assistance at times in marketing produce grown in the area. The markets generally are active on a seasonal basis, operating up to 24 hours daily. Market offices are open year- round to assist growers and buyers in planning a sound marketing program. The State Farmers' Markets cooperate with other agencies of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the United States Department of Agriculture, universities, and numerous other agricultural entities to extend activities and services in marketing.