Can direct-market vegetable farmers make a middle-class income?

We studied 39 farms over three years to find out. Our study is the most comprehensive review of direct-market vegetable farm finances to date.

Vegetable farms that sell their produce through farmers markets, CSA programs, on-farm stores, and other direct-market channels are the foundation of local food movements everywhere. Yet there is surprisingly little information available to help answer a basic question: Can farmers make a middle-class income selling vegetables through direct-market outlets?

We launched an ongoing study in 2017 to help fill this critical gap in information and offer insights that could help vegetable farmers start and grow their businesses. Our report offers the most comprehensive review of direct-market vegetable farm businesses to date, sharing detailed financial benchmarks from 39 farms collected over three years.

Complete the form below to download our Financial Benchmarks for Direct-Market Vegetable Farms: 2021 Report. You can also read a summary of our findings here on our blog.

Complete this form to download the report