Celebrate National Farmers Market Week

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 5, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley joins U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in proclaiming August 7 to August 13 as National Farmers’ Market Week. Governor O’Malley and Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance encourage consumers to visit a farmers’ market in their area as a way of recognizing Farmers Market Week and supporting Maryland agriculture.

“Maryland’s small- and medium-sized farms strengthen our local economies, benefit consumers, and improve the quality of life for our citizens,” said Governor O’Malley. “Every dollar spent on local products supports independent family farmers who contribute to the economic health of the community. Farmers’ markets are increasingly popular sources of farm-fresh, locally grown, nutritious produce in towns across the state and the nation. Many communities find it rewarding to invest in local markets as a component of economic development and are realizing benefits from the resulting tourism.”

Every county in Maryland and Baltimore City have at least one farmers’ market where consumers can buy affordable farm-fresh, locally grown, healthy produce, plants and baked goods. And now is the time that Maryland’s farmers are offering their freshest products at markets across the state.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) has made it easier for Marylanders to find farmers markets in their area by creating a search engine on the Maryland’s Best website. There are currently 137 markets across the state that are registered with Maryland’s Best. Of those, 108 participate in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, Children (“WIC”) and Seniors, which expands access to fresh local produce at local farmers markets.

“Farmers’ markets provide an important source of income for farmers as more and more consumers seek the freshness, quality, and wide selection of locally grown produce,” said Secretary Hance.  “They also serve as integral links between urban, suburban and rural communities. By talking one-on-one with farmers, consumers can learn about fresh produce including preparation and storage tips. Consumers also develop a bond of trust in the integrity and accountability of our growers.”

This year National Farmers’ Market Week follows soon after the Maryland Buy Local Challenge week, which Governor O’Malley kicked off with a Buy Local Cookout at Government House in July. During the Challenge Week, Marylanders pledge to eat at least one locally grown product every day. MDA hopes that consumers will continue to eat local every day throughout farmers’ market week and beyond, taking advantage of the fresh summer produce available from Maryland farmers.

For information on farmers’ markets in your area, visit www.marylandsbest.net or call 410-841-5770.
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