A Study on the Effectiveness of Pittsburgh Farm Markets

This study from the Farmers Market Coalition explored how to maximize the benefits of farm markets for the city of Pittsburgh. "This report was commissioned by the City of Pittsburgh to analyze Pittsburgh's farmers market system and a plan for growth. Over a period of 10 months, Farmers Market Coalition staff met with market operators, market vendors, community leaders and residents, conducted data collection at the City-managed markets, observed independently managed markets, analyzed past reports on the regional food and farming culture and met regularly with staff from the City of Pittsburgh."

The Farmers Market Coalition listed 3 main recommendations for Pittsburgh farm markets:

1.  Active facilitation. The city of Pittsburgh should offer "clear objectives, and defined avenues for market management support such as parking allocations, special permits, and training opportunities promoted through a clear, annually updated guide will foster improvements across all of Pittsburgh's markets, both City-managed and independently managed."
2. City-wide promotion. "Focus on steps that City Planning can take to facilitate consistent, effective collaboration among farmers markets and partners. A Pittsburgh Farmers Market Network will provide the platform for a systematic approach to addressing food access: markets and partners working toward common goals, optimizing promotional efforts, and evaluating market successes."
3. Hire Farmers Market Director. "The Farmers Market Director will emphasize improved operations, promotions, and evaluation of the City-managed markets, spearheading the City's efforts to implement operational structure that sets a high bar for the region's farmers markets."