Farmers’ markets (FMs) represent a crucial player in urban food systems, being the interconnection of local agricultural production and consumption, and serving as spaces for both economic exchange and community building. Despite their transformative potential, there is a scarcity of research that comprehensively investigates the dynamics of FMs network structure and the influence of the actors shaping FMs. The present article delves into the network of relationships within FMs in the Italian city of Bologna. This study adopts the Social Network Analysis (SNA) methodology applied with the Net-Map tool. The research objectives are to visualise the underlying network structure, map the dynamics, and identify the key actors who play pivotal roles in Bologna’s FMs and their level of influence. The research carried out interviews with ten FMs stakeholders, revealing the network of relationships between 54 actors, divided into three categories—civil society, food economy and public administration. Actors were linked by a total of 428 relationships across three types of networks: support, economic, and hindering. Findings indicate a strong support network structure characterised by varying degrees of centrality among different actors. Farmers emerge as a central node due to their pivotal role in providing fresh, local produce. Additionally, local institutions contribute significantly to FMs resilience and growth. Our research demonstrates the importance of recognising the embeddedness of FMs within the local context. By understanding the network structure and influential actors in FMs, policymakers can devise more effective policies for promoting local agriculture, and enhancing the sustainability of urban–rural exchanges. In conclusion, the present study offers valuable insights into the network dynamics of FMs, highlighting their crucial role in the sustainable development of urban and local food systems.

农贸市场（FM）是城市粮食系统中的重要参与者，是当地农业生产和消费的相互联系，也是经济交流和社区建设的空间。尽管它们具有变革潜力，但缺乏全面研究 FM 网络结构动态以及塑造 FM 的参与者影响的研究。本文深入研究了意大利博洛尼亚市 FM 内部的关系网络。本研究采用社交网络分析（SNA）方法和 Net-Map 工具。研究目标是可视化底层网络结构、绘制动态图并确定在博洛尼亚 FM 中发挥关键作用的关键参与者及其影响力水平。该研究对 10 个 FM 利益相关者进行了访谈，揭示了 54 个参与者之间的关系网络，分为三类：民间社会、粮食经济和公共管理。参与者通过三种类型的网络总共 428 个关系联系在一起：支持、经济和阻碍。调查结果表明，存在一个强大的支持网络结构，其特点是不同参与者之间的中心程度不同。农民因其在提供新鲜的当地农产品方面发挥的关键作用而成为中心节点。此外，地方机构对FM的弹性和增长做出了重大贡献。我们的研究表明，认识到 FM 嵌入当地环境的重要性。通过了解FM的网络结构和有影响力的参与者，政策制定者可以制定更有效的政策来促进当地农业，增强城乡交流的可持续性。总之，本研究为 FM 的网络动态提供了宝贵的见解，强调了它们在城市和当地粮食系统可持续发展中的关键作用。