U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has proclaimed Aug. 6-13 to be National Farmers Market Week.
This is the eighteenth year the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has supported local farmers and ranchers by encouraging families to meet, and buy from, the farmers and other vendors at their local farmers market.
The proclamation Perdue signed notes farmers markets and other agricultural direct marketing outlets contribute about $9 billion each year to the U.S. economy.
The proclamation also said farmers markets “serve as significant outlets by which small-to-medium, new and beginning and veteran agricultural producers market agricultural products, generating revenue that supports the sustainability of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities nationwide.”
Throughout the week, thousands of U.S. farmers markets will highlight the range of produce, fruit, meat, dairy and specialty products available from their local and regional farmers.
USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory makes it easy to locate farmers markets in towns and neighborhoods across the country.
Buying directly from farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs has an outsized impact by helping diversify farm incomes and supporting other businesses, keeping more money in the local economy.
In addition to being good for the farmers and convenient for consumers, farmers markets are a gathering place that help build a sense of community.