This August 20 New York Times article, “As Farmers’ Markets Go Mainstream, Some Fear A Glut,” questions whether there are too many farmers’ markets in the country today.

And this article, “Food safety concerns, nearby crops and diverse offerings boost farmers markets,” from the Taunton (MA)Daily Gazette speaks to the fact that farmers’ markets’ popularity is still increasing.

“‘Much of the expansion of farmers markets has come in the past three years as public interest in buying local products “really caught fire,”’ said Scott Soares, state commissioner of agricultural resources.”

The Historic Columbia Market House in downtown Columbia faces stiff competition from a number of local farmers’ markets, some municipal and some local privately owned. Additionally, a number of farm families have begun their own roadside produce stands; some of them have blossomed into larger retail operations.

Borough councilor, Kelly Murphy, is the chairperson of the Market House committee. When asked whether there is a “glut” he said, “It would be nice if there were not as many other markets, but it is what it is.”

He was quick to point out that the Market House will be managed in the near future by the Columbia Historic Market Trust; he believes the Trust will add an energizing and revitalized perspective. He said he hopes the Trust will revisit “what makes a farmers’ market” vital and important to a community and that there “probably” will be a re-defined vendor mix and other progressive innovations.

Murphy also stated that he “wished that neighboring communities’ farmers markets would consider consolidating into the Columbia Market House.” He also looks forward to  a time when “it will be nice to get some of the smaller ‘mom and pop’ vendors outside of the market during summer months” as many sources have suggested.