A Feasibility Study of a Farmers Market in Elizabethtown Kentucky

According to the 2002 edition of the National Farmers' Market Directory, from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there are over 3,100 farmers' markets operating in the United States. In 1994, there were 1,755 markets, a growth of over 79% in eight years.! Farmers' markets help to meet the needs of the farmers with small- to medium-sized operations. These markets help farmers to have direct access to markets in an effort to help increase farm income. In addition, the markets serve to provide local consumers with access to locally grown, fresh produce direct from the farm. In addition to the benefits to the farmer and consumer, the community also gains from the operation of a market. The USDA suggests that farmers' markets help to promote nutrition education, wholesome eating habits, and better food preparation. The market also serves as a boon to the local economy. Currently, the Elizabethtown, Kentucky, farmers' market operates at one location within the city. The market currently is open on Thursdays and Saturdays during growing season from 7:00 a.m. until noon. The Elizabethtown Chamber of Commerce has contacted the University of Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research to consider a market study for a future Elizabethtown Farmers' Market to be located in the parking lot of the Hardin County Justice Center. The following sections outline a complete feasibility study of the proposed farmers' market. The study will evaluate the importance of the farmers' market to the local area. First, we would assess the usage of the current farmers' market and the potential for a permanent site and structure. The study would also outline a business plan for the farmers' market in which CBER would estimate demand for such an operation as well as the demand for potential products. CBER will also estimate the costs of operating such a facility. Finally, the business plan will also include a look at alternative sites and structures for the market. The following sections contain further descriptions of our methodology for conducting this feasibility study. They also contain our methodologies for collecting data as well as estimating demand for farmers' market goods in the Elizabethtown economy.