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 The University of Kentucky center has compiled price reports for
farmers markets and produce auctions around Kentucky since 2005.
In 2013, faculty and Extension personnel at the University of
Tennessee started reporting prices from farmers markets, with
assistance from the Kentucky center. “This year, Illinois became
a partner with the center to create our own statewide price
report,” said Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, a U of I Extension
educator.
Price reports are shared to help farmers learn about prices that
are charged at farmers markets or produce auctions for common
products, Cavanaugh-Grant explained. “Having access to this
pricing information allows farmers to better understand how to
set prices that support profitability of their farm while
remaining fair to consumers and competitive with other
producers,” she said. “Price and sales information is helpful to
producers selling at farmers markets, produce auctions, and
terminal markets.”
Farmers’ market prices are collected weekly and reports are
published on the website early the following week. Using these
reports, producers can monitor fluctuations in prices and
determine which crops are available at different locations or
regions within the state. “These reports are also very useful
for new producers who are starting to market their products
through various channels,” Cavanaugh-Grant said.
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During its first year, U of I Extension will collect data at 11
markets throughout Illinois, from Machesney Park to Harrisburg, and
from Quincy to Urbana. Each week, Extension educators, program
assistants, and/or Master Gardener volunteers will collect
information about the vegetable and fruit crops being sold. An
average price for each commodity is reported for each of the markets
based on information from each of the vendors at each market. Price
information from each of the markets is then aggregated into a
weekly report. There will also be a one-time report for meat and egg
sales.
To access farmers’ market price reports for all three states, go to
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CCD/price.html or contact Cavanaugh-Grant,
cvnghgrn@illinois.edu
or Bronwyn Aly, baly@illinois.edu
[Text received; DEBORAH
CAVANAUGH-GRANT, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION] |
