The National Farmers Market Survey (NFMS) is live through the end of April!  We need Wisconsin to be represented!

Led by Michigan State University Extension (MSUE), this nationwide survey collects critical information about how farmers markets operate across the United States—covering topics such as management structure, staffing, funding, vendors, and more. The insights gathered will help strengthen resources and support markets; inform sector-wide best practices; and provide data for national, regional, and state-level analysis (where response rates allow).

The USDA has contracted MSUE to lead this project; a similar survey has been conducted roughly every 5 years, at times conducted by USDA itself, and at times through a university partner. Additionally, for this survey, MSUE has brought leaders from the farmers market sector in as key advisors, to ensure that the process and data are reflective of and helpful to the sector.

Farmers market managers across all 50 states and U.S. territories are encouraged to participate. While some market operators will have received a direct link from MSUE (as they have been chosen to be part of a representative survey sample), all other markets can submit their own response via the open link on the webpage.

The survey should take approximately 20–25 minutes to complete. While it was designed so that operating records are not required, having access to your 2025 operational records may make it easier to answer some questions. More details about the survey and a link to take it now are available at www.canr.msu.edu/NFMS.