Though the Passo Fundo farmer's market has been in existed for over 22 years, the social and economic status of farmers and consumers attended has not been documented yet. Consequently, this study sought to provide the first detailed socioeconomic profile of farmers and consumers that participate in the market. Questionnaires were administered to 58 farmers that hold permanent stalls at the market and another to 471 consumers. The questionnaires had queries regarding the socioeconomic aspects of farmers and consumers, and products offered/purchased at the market, such as, vegetables, fruits, grains, products of animal origin, and handicrafts. While most consumers ranged from 35 to 65 years of age, farmers tended to be between 40 and 55 years old. One-third of farmers had a familiar nucleus composed of up to three people and most had completed elementary school. Nearly 80% of farmers reported a monthly income of under 1,000 Brazilian Reais (R$), or roughly $620 US. Typical consumers of the Passo Fundo Farmer's market are of the middle to lower (B2, C and D) social classes. Roughly 60% of them declared monthly incomes between 500 and 2000 R$ ($310-1240 US). The average consumption was R$ 25.94 farmer-1 ($16.11 US), with men's mean purchases (R$26.34 farmer-1, $16.41 US) being slightly greater than for women (R$25.48 farmer-1, $15.83 US). Vegetables and fruits made up 59% of the items purchased by consumers.
farmer's market; Brazil; socioeconomic status; farmer's profitability; farmer to consumer transaction
