Backyard Market
Backyard Market was a virtual farmers market initiative created by Florida Organic Growers (FOG) to support local producers, reduce food waste, and expand access to fresh, sustainably produced food. The program demonstrated how innovative, technology-driven solutions can strengthen local food systems and build resilience for both farmers and communities.
About Backyard Market
Fresh. Local. Accessible.
Backyard Market was designed to make local food easier to access while providing small-scale farmers with new, flexible sales opportunities. By operating as a virtual marketplace, the program helped farmers plan more efficiently, reduce excess harvest losses, and connect directly with customers—without the need for a physical storefront.
This model expanded market access at a time when traditional sales channels were limited and offered a scalable approach to supporting local food economies.
Supporting Producers in a Changing Food Landscape
How Backyard Market Supported Farmers
Backyard Market helped farmers and food producers by:
- Connecting directly with local shoppers seeking fresh, locally grown food
- Reducing food waste through pre-order systems that allowed for better harvest planning
- Expanding reach beyond traditional farmers markets without the cost of a physical location
- Increasing flexibility through direct pricing, inventory management, and customer communication
- Providing insights through sales data, customer feedback, and purchasing trends
Together, these tools helped producers operate more efficiently and remain competitive in a shifting food system.
Expanding Access to Fresh, Local Food
How Backyard Market Supported Communities
For customers and communities, Backyard Market offered:
- Fresh, high-quality produce harvested at peak flavor
- Transparency around where food was grown and who produced it
- Convenient access to local food for residents far from traditional markets
- A more sustainable purchasing model that reduced overproduction and waste
- A shared space for individuals committed to supporting local farms and sustainable food systems
By removing barriers to access, the program strengthened connections between growers and the communities they serve.
Hear from Our Community
The Backyard Market’s order-and-pick-up service provides a consistent and convenient way to support local farmers. I highly recommend it to anyone in town who is looking to join a CSA but doesn’t want to drive out of town for pick-ups. Plus, the virtual market is a one-stop shop where you can order from many of the small businesses from the West Palm Green Market through the summer months when the Green Market isn’t running. I have had fun popping into the studio space each week for pick-ups, and have been pleased with all of the merchants I’ve ordered from so far.
Sinclaire