History

Farmer’s Markets are not a new scene in the history of the world. These markets were famous dating back to Egypt, nearly 5,000 years ago (Nudi). Many countries took this idea back home and the history of markets spread. These markets were the easiest ways for farmers, bakers, florists, etc. to make their money and one of the only ones for consumers to purchase such items. The most popular place for such markets was in Europe (Nudi). Crowds would flood the streets for fresh pastries, bread, and fruit and vegetables.

The Markets of America: The United States saw its first farmer’s market in 1634 in Boston, Massachusetts (Nudi). The first market that was given an official name was the Lancaster Central Market (1730) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Neal). People from all across the world to travel to Lancaster to visit the first American market as it is one of the oldest in the world! Unfortunately, farmer’s markets took a big hit as grocery stores began to become popular in the 1800s (Nudi). By the early 1900’s, there was little to no business for farmer’s market. The idea of convenient and fast became the American way. Consequently, small businesses began to run out of money and could not continue their work. Large companies began to push farmers out of their farmland leaving them with nothing. The decrease in the amount of farmer’s markets led to decrease in the access to fresh and local foods (Nudi). The food source was not on an American’s mind when he or she picked up an orange, however, the history behind that orange may have included pesticides and brutal labor.

During the midst of World War II, farmer’s markets began to become a popular scene again, however, they were much more important than ever. Something is not American unless it has controversy over it. Large companies were opposed to farmer’s markets as it would ruin their businesses (White). Even though monopolies were banned in 1890, companies still took advantage of what they had and wanted zero competition. These small business farmers were seen as a threat for the large companies. The companies set to the streets of the 1943 San Fransisco Farmer’s Market and warned farmers of their actions and accused them of selling inferior products (White). The only solution that the Board of Visitors came up with was to abolish the farmer’s market six months after the war’s end. The defense was that the farmers were only brought into the city to help with war efforts as rationing was considered a necessity to help fight the war at home. The farmers fought back against this “compromise” with Proposition 16 which stated, “The Farmers Market shall be continued beyond the time limitation now established by ordinance.”Ultimately, the public voted for the return of farmer’s markets in San Fransisco and Brucato continues to operate today (White).

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