Farmer Markets Have $1M Impact On Wyo. Economy

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming Business Council study finds that farmers markets contributed over $1 million to the state's economy in 2011.

Data compiled by the council's Agribusiness Division and run through a University of Wyoming economic impact model found that direct sales of $800,000 also generated secondary sales of nearly $250,000.

The results are based on responses collected by the Business Council from 14 of the 44 farmers markets operating in Wyoming.

Kim Porter of the Business Council says farmers markets are a tremendous resource for communities.

Not only do they provide a fun social event for communities, but Porter says they also provide economic revitalization.

The study also found this economic activity supported the equivalent of nearly 10 annual jobs in the state's economy with labor income totaling nearly $244,000.