Researchers, according to a statement from Penn State, collected data from 15% of the more than 330 farmer’s markets in the state. Gross sales for those 15% were about $18 million.

Extrapolated for all 330, researchers believe their $100 million estimate to be conservative.

“Open-air farmers markets, on-farm markets and public markets are essential businesses that provide more than fresh food,” said Brian Moyer, Penn State Extension education program associate in business and community vitality. “They create jobs, help drive the local economy, and allow farms and food artisans to retain a much higher portion of the food dollar.”

And during the pandemic, local organizers added a key additional benefit — community.

“We are having a very good summer at the market,” Warren PA Farmer’s Market President Alan Scott said.

“The weather has been favorable,” he added. “The shoppers seem to be enjoying the experience to obtain locally grown produce.”

The market is held in downtown Warren at the Midtown Parking Lot.

The Penn State study was funded by the Pa. Department of Agriculture and was specifically aimed at fostering data collection within these markets, the first time that has been done on state-wide basis.

“Farmers markets are more than nice events in our communities,” Moyer said. “They are essential to our local food economy. Markets provide a common space for farms and food businesses to offer their products and incubate new businesses.”

The Warren Farmer’s Market opened in mid-June.

While vegetables are obviously coming on how as the summer rolls on, local organizers have build a market that includes much more than just those vegetables.

Some of those other offerings have included maple syrup, crafters, candles and soaps as well as flowers and, according to one of their Facebook posts, some frightfully good-looking donuts.

They’ve also incorporated music each week to drive more traffic to the market.

Scott said the Market will be open through the end of October, 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday.