Vermont Farmers Markets Struggle to Attract Vendors Amid Declining Sales
Vermont, known for having the highest number of farmers markets per capita in the U.S., is facing a significant challenge as these markets struggle to attract enough farm vendors. According to the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont, 34 out of 58 markets report that their biggest concern is the lack of farm vendors. This issue is compounded by a sharp decline in average agricultural sales, which have dropped nearly 60% from $158,296 in 2022 to $91,790 in 2025. The decline in sales is pushing farmers towards alternative sales models like community-supported agriculture (CSA) and direct-to-farm stands, which offer more stable income. The shift is causing a reordering of how local food is purchased in Vermont, raising questions about the future viability of traditional farmers markets.