Texas Market Numbers Inch Up 6.6 Percent

The number of farmers markets in Texas has grown slightly in the past year, an uptick that still ranks the state third for the most growth.

A statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture marketing service Saturday shows Texas has 195 farmers markets this year, up from 183 in 2013.

That's a 6.6 percent increase, trailing only Louisiana's 12.1 percent increase and Tennessee's 20.2 percent increase for biggest percentage growth in the past year.

California leads the country with 764 farmers markets, and New York is second with 638.

Ten years ago, Texas had 101 farmers markets.

Nationwide there are 8,268 markets, an increase of 76 percent since 2008. The USDA statement says that reflects continued growth and demand in every region of the country.