The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio

Bibliographic Details
Main Author:	Gerbasi, Gina Terese
Language:	English
Published:	The Ohio State University / OhioLINK 2004
Subjects:	Geography
Online Access:	http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1391599685

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spelling	ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-osu13915996852021-08-03T06:21:33Z The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio Gerbasi, Gina Terese Geography Farmers’ markets are one form of direct marketing that has existed for generations, but studies lack conclusive information regarding the advantages, disadvantages, and quality of life implications for farmers. This thesis provides a literature review of farmers’ market research in the US and traces the rise and decline of farmers’ markets since their appearance on the American landscape. Next, this thesis presents an ethnographic study of various rural farmers’ markets in Southeast Ohio, with special focus on the Athens Farmers’ Market in Athens, Ohio. Qualitative and quantitative research methods used in this study indicate three inter-related dimensions of farmers’ markets: economic, social, and cultural. Specifically, the Athens Farmers’ Market provides economic benefits to market vendors and the local economy by increasing farm income, increasing sales tax revenue and local spending, facilitating bartering, providing employment opportunities, promoting diversification of agriculture and diversification of income, and serving as a business incubator. There are also social networks present at the Athens Farmers’ Market that serve multiple purposes. The market is a forum for farmers to interact with each other and the social networks of the market serve as an information resource for farmers to collaborate and problem-solve. Older or experienced vendors also provide assistance to new or young farmers by serving as mentors. Vendors provide a nurturing social-support system which encourages the entrepreneurial endeavors of vendors, as well. The market allows farmers to learn business skills such as leadership and negotiation through sales experience and by observing other vendors. The social atmosphere of the market also facilitates friendships among vendors and customers and builds a sense of community. The Athens Farmers’ Market itself is an expression of the cultural values of the region, including its appreciation for farming, entrepreneurialism, rural lifestyle, and community pride. By studying the Athens Farmers’ Market and other rural markets we can better understand rural livelihood strategies, formal and informal economies, and small-scale agriculture.The implications of this study include evidence that an ethnographic approach to the study of farmers’ markets is highly advantageous compared to traditional survey methods. Also, as this study strongly suggests that these markets are economically beneficial to the local economy, it challenges local governments, non-profit organizations, or community groups to consider supporting existing farmers’ markets, or creating new markets if none exist, as a means to alleviate rural poverty and stimulate the local economy. 2004 English text The Ohio State University / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1391599685 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1391599685 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.
collection	NDLTD
language	English
sources	NDLTD
topic	Geography
spellingShingle	Geography Gerbasi, Gina Terese The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio
author	Gerbasi, Gina Terese
author_facet	Gerbasi, Gina Terese
author_sort	Gerbasi, Gina Terese
title	The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio
title_short	The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio
title_full	The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio
title_fullStr	The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio
title_full_unstemmed	The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio
title_sort	hidden value of farmers markets: a case study of the economic, social, and cultural aspects of the athens farmers market in athens, ohio
publisher	The Ohio State University / OhioLINK
publishDate	2004
url	http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1391599685
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The Hidden Value of Farmers Markets: A Case Study of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Aspects of the Athens Farmers Market in Athens, Ohio

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