The department's Agricultural Marketing Service plans on updating the National Farmers Market Directory with the help of market managers, associations, state departments of agriculture and other organizations. Since it was created in 1994, the number of farmers markets tracked in the directory has increased from 1,755 to 5,274.
"For the future of sound farmer-market policies, it is critical to make the USDA National Farmers Market Directory as accurate as possible," said AMS Administrator Rayne Pegg. "USDA can't do it alone, and we ask for assistance in compiling this directory."
The federal government has made a recent push to try and connect those who use farm equipment with consumers in their regions. Along with tracking farmers markets, the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food program gives people the chance to meet with producers in their area and support local agricultural businesses.
People who are interested in providing data for the directory can visit www.ams.usda.gov/2010farmersmarketdirectory through May 14.
