USDA Recognizes National Farmers Market Week

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is recognizing National Farmers Market Week, August 2 to 8, with a focus on the role farmers markets play in creating market opportunities for producers and connecting consumers with American-grown food.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins signed a proclamation August 5 calling on Americans to visit and support local farmers markets during the annual observance.

National Farmers Market Week is held during the first full week of August each year. According to USDA, farmers markets can provide farmers and ranchers with additional opportunities to reach consumers while strengthening rural communities and local economies.

“National Farmers Market Week is about celebrating the farmers and ranchers who produce the safest, highest-quality food in the world and making sure Americans have every opportunity to support them,” said Secretary Rollins. “Every purchase at a farmers market is an investment in American agriculture, our rural communities, and our country’s future. As we celebrate America’s 250th year, I encourage every family to visit their local farmers market, meet the producers who feed our Nation, and experience firsthand the pride, tradition, and hard work that make American agriculture the greatest in the world. Together, we’re putting Farmers First and advancing President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again agenda by making American-grown food more accessible to families across the country.”

Farmers Markets Provide Direct Sales Opportunities

USDA’s proclamation recognizes farmers markets as a source of new market opportunities for farmers and ranchers. The markets also give consumers opportunities to learn more about where their food comes from and purchase products directly from local producers.

Products available at farmers markets can include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, baked goods, and other products grown or raised by American producers.

For producers, farmers markets are one avenue for connecting with local consumers and reaching local markets. USDA also recognizes the role these markets play in supporting family farms and ranches and local economies.

USDA Highlights National Farmers Market Week

As part of its National Farmers Market Week observance, USDA highlighted the return of the Great American Farmers Market as part of the department’s exhibit at the Great American State Fair.

The event brings farmers, ranchers and producers from across the country together to showcase agricultural products during the nation’s 250th anniversary year. It builds on the inaugural Great American Farmers Market held in Washington, D.C., last year.

USDA said National Farmers Market Week provides an opportunity to recognize producers and the role their work plays in supplying food and supporting rural communities.

The department is encouraging consumers to visit local farmers markets during the week and support the farmers, ranchers, and communities involved in local agriculture.