{"id":16779,"date":"2015-07-28T09:26:24","date_gmt":"2015-07-28T13:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=16779"},"modified":"2015-08-03T11:46:48","modified_gmt":"2015-08-03T15:46:48","slug":"celebrate-national-farmers-market-week-in-maryland-aug-2-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2015\/07\/28\/celebrate-national-farmers-market-week-in-maryland-aug-2-8\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrate National Farmers\u2019 Market Week in Maryland Aug. 2 \u2013 8"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Icon_NFMW-1-300x269\"<\/a><\/strong>Visit Local Farmers\u2019 Markets, Bountiful Fresh Produce Now Available<\/em><\/p>\n

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 28, 2015)<\/strong> \u2013 Governor Larry Hogan has designated Aug. 2-8, Farmers\u2019 Market Week in Maryland to coincide with National Farmers\u2019 Market Week. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) encourages citizens to celebrate the week by visiting farmers\u2019 market and buying local products. There are more then 140 farmers\u2019 markets across the state \u2013 at least one in every county and Baltimore City. Search for one near you at www.marylandsbest.net<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"FMW-Proc\"<\/a>“Buying local supports our family farms, our local jobs and our local economies,” said Governor Hogan. “By shopping at farmers’ markets, Marylanders can offer their families fresh, healthy produce while ensuring a greener, more sustainable Maryland. I hope that Marylanders will join in the celebration by visiting a market near them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaryland\u2019s farmers are now offering their freshest products at farmers\u2019 markets across the state. These 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, meats, dairy, and more,\u201d said Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder.\u00a0 \u201cThey also serve as integral links between urban, suburban and rural communities. By talking one-on-one with farmers, consumers can learn where their food comes from, how to best prepare it, and useful storage and handling tips.\u201d<\/p>\n

More than 400 Maryland farmers also participate in the Farmers\u2019 Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for Women, Infants, Children (WIC) and Seniors. This program helps expand access for low-income Marylanders to be able to purchase fresh local produce at their local farmers\u2019 market. About a quarter of the markets also participate in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) \u2013 formerly known as food stamps. Some statistics about Maryland farmers\u2019 markets:<\/p>\n