Greenmarket was founded in 1976 with a two-fold mission: to promote regional agriculture by providing small family farms the opportunity to sell their locally grown, caught, foraged and baked products directly to consumers, and to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the freshest, most nutritious, locally grown food the region has to offer.
What began over three decades ago with 12 farmers in a parking lot on 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan has now grown to become the largest and most diverse outdoor urban farmers market network in the country, nearly doubling in eight years from 28 locations in 2002 to 50 today, with over 200 family farms and fishermen participating, and over 30,000 acres of farmland protected from development.
This unique relationship between farmers and city residents has not only changed the face of regional agriculture, it has also revitalized rural communities and urban spaces, improved consumer health, provided fresh and nutritious food to those most in need, encouraged crop diversity, educated school children and city residents about the importance of regional agriculture, inspired new culinary trends, and influenced chefs and eaters in one of the culinary capitals in the world.
Each of the NYC markets strives to be an anchor to their community providing not only fresh, locally-grown food, but a safe and fun gathering place were neighbors can come together to talk to farmers, share recipes, watch a cooking demonstration, take a tour with a chef and learn about local agriculture.
To find your nearest Greenmarket in Manhattan or Brooklyn click here.
