West Virginia 16th Annual National Farmers Market Week kicks off

The 16th annual National Farmers Market Week kicked off with an announcement by U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who was in Washington, D.C., while Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator Anne L. Alonzo and local officials launched the annual observance at the Santa Fe Farmers Market last weekend. Urban and farmers markets, unlike supermarket or convenience stores, remain popular with consumers seeking fresh food purveyed directly from the farm.

The week is designed to highlight and celebrate locally grown produce, and goods, and also encourages people to support local farmers.

With seasonal favorites like berries, melons, and tomatoes, take a bite out of all Virginia has to offer this summer with Virginia Farmers Market Week August. 2-8. Checks can be used through October 31st at any of the more than 220 farmers markets in Iowa. Markets have the benefits of serving as educational hubs, small business incubators and civic centers. The USDA estimates farmers markets that have been open at least two years have seen a 64 percent increase in customer traffic.

A family visits the Original LA Farmers Market in the 1960’s.

“As for the health of our citizens, Farmers markets help bridge the gap between citizens and healthy, local foods”, Gardner said.

Markets result in more viable regional economies and local farm businesses, increased access to fresh, nutritious food and stronger social networks that help keep communities healthy. Once a market has been located, the app also shows the user what vendors will be there.

The Original Farmers Market’s history is long and enchanting and involves movie stars, entertainers and presidents.

Linda Marrone, a longtime Carson resident, manages the 3rd & Curry Street Farmers Market and is the director of Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association.

While public markets and farmers markets differ, each provides the opportunity for consumers to purchase food directly from the person who grew or processed it. The proliferation of markets in the United States over time is staggering. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture, sharing recipes, and exposing them to new foods.