U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue declares Aug. 6-13 to be National Farmers Market Week. This is the eighteenth year USDA has supported local producers by encouraging families to meet, and buy from, the farmers and other vendors at their local farmers market.
Farmers markets and other agricultural direct marketing outlets contribute approximately $9 billion each year to the U.S. economy and ?serve as significant outlets by which small-to-medium, new and beginning, and veteran agricultural producer?s market agricultural products, generating revenue that supports the sustainability of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities nationwide,? Perdue noted in the proclamation.
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 ag-entrepreneurs has an outsized impact by helping diversify farm incomes and supporting other businesses by keeping more money in the local economy.
On Friday, Aug. 11, USDA?s flagship Farmers Market in Washington. Special guests include the Farmers Market Coalition, the official chef of the Washington Capitals Robert Wood, and the U.S. Army Band.
