By URSULA REUTIN
KIRO Radio

These days, you can find farmers markets in just about every neighborhood in Seattle and in the suburbs.

But with new ones cropping up each year, is it too much of a good thing? And what effect are they having on the Pike Place Market?

"We saw a drop in business when all the farmers markets came onto the scene, but our customers have returned," said Mike Osborne, who owns a produce stand at the market.

In Seattle alone, there are nearly 20 farmers markets, including new ones in Belltown and Georgetown. A decade ago, King County had 9 markets. Now, there are 39.

Osborne says he knows too well that it costs money to have a successful produce stand and there is only so much business to go around.

"It's not as easy as throwing up ten tables and a tent and then expect that everyone's going to come, "Osborne said. "It doesn't work that way, " he said.

Some farmers complain the neighborhood markets have reached a saturation point and are now cutting into their profits. Several have dropped out of markets because they just weren't getting enough business.

Osborne says he would love to see some of them return to Pike Place Market, but he realizes that's not simple either. "We have lost some local farmers here because it's too expensive to set up shop at the market," he said. "They need to go somewhere."

You might also be interested in:

• Pike Place Market
• Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance