Data collected on a sampling of three out of the eight farmers markets in King County showed that the University District, West Seattle and Columbia City markets had an attendance of over 165,000 shoppers last year. Farmers Market shoppers surveyed indicated that the top three things they like about the markets are the quality of the produce, the variety of produce available and the sense of community that buying locally brings. Shopping at a farmer's market is so satisfying to people because they are meeting the farmer up close and personal. Increasing consumer preference for locally grown products is the goal of Puget Sound Fresh, a marketing program created by the King County Agricultural Commission and King County staff. The program provides funding to promote regional farmers markets in an effort to preserve the rich farming heritage of the region.
Satisfaction is high on both ends of the transaction.
Farmers bring the best of their crops to market in order to compete, making the selection available to shoppers top rate. In turn, the consumer is buying directly from the producer eliminating the farmers need for a middleman. Heightened awareness about organically grown produce has established many repeat customers in urban areas. Unlike their rural neighbors, city dwellers rarely have the land available to grow their own crops. Through the Farmers Market they are able to have their questions answered about what chemicals are used in growing the food they eat.