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More Farmers Markets are Expanding to the Winter Months, says USDA

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reporting that Winter Farmers Markets are expanding across the country and right here in Colorado. That’s thanks to new agricultural technology, which is making it cheaper and easier for farmers to grow certain crops year-round.

According to the USDA’sNational Farmers Market Directory, since 2010 the number of winter markets has increased 38 percent across the country to more than 1200 outlets.

In Colorado, the state’s Farmer’s Market Association reports that the number of markets seeking insurance for the winter months has also increased.

One driver behind the increase is the so called “hoop house” technology, a cheap way that smaller growers can extend their production seasons.

The top three states on the list are New York, California and Pennsylvania.