Southwest Florida farmers markets end spring season and extend some summer operations
Updated
Updated · Gulfshore Business · May 1
Southwest Florida farmers markets end spring season and extend some summer operations
9 articles · Updated · Gulfshore Business · May 1
Coconut Point in Estero closed on 30 April, while downtown Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch and Fort Myers Beach's Santini Market plan to keep trading into summer.
Operators Local Roots and Shop Local Productions said strong demand from record airport traffic, new residents and visitors drove growth, prompting longer hours, a new downtown Fort Myers market and planned expansion.
Vendors said higher packaging, fuel, labour and crop costs, plus a February cold snap and tariffs, squeezed margins even as steady crowds delivered record seasons for some businesses.
With crop losses and soaring costs, will Southwest Florida’s farmers markets be able to keep fresh produce affordable for locals this summer?
How might global conflicts and climate shocks reshape the future of local food markets in Florida and beyond?
Could new technologies or policies help farmers withstand the double blow of rising input costs and extreme weather events?