{"id":25625,"date":"2021-07-30T12:19:22","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T16:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/?p=25625"},"modified":"2021-07-30T12:35:04","modified_gmt":"2021-07-30T16:35:04","slug":"celebrate-maryland-farmers-market-week-aug-1-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/mda\/press-release\/2021\/07\/30\/celebrate-maryland-farmers-market-week-aug-1-7\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrate Maryland Farmers\u2019 Market Week Aug. 1-7"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Visit a Local Farmers\u2019 Market for Fresh, In-Season Produce<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 30, 2021)<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Governor Larry Hogan has declared Aug. 1-7 as <\/span>Maryland Farmers\u2019 Market Week<\/span><\/a> to recognize the 105 farmers markets across the state that have continued to provide citizens with access to fresh, local produce and other Maryland-made items. Celebrate Maryland Farmers\u2019 Market Week by visiting a nearby market and buying local products. Use the <\/span>2021 Maryland Farmers Market Directory<\/span><\/a> to find a market near you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAmidst a global pandemic, Maryland farmers\u2019 markets have worked tirelessly to remain open to provide nourishment for those they serve,\u201d said Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. \u201cFarmers\u2019 markets continue to provide unparalleled access to fresh, local goods and products. This week and beyond, let\u2019s show our appreciation for Maryland growers and producers by buying fresh produce and other items at a local market.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

In Maryland, there is at least one farmers\u2019 market in every county and Baltimore City. Each market is an important economic driver for the state\u2019s agriculture industry. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) census data, farmers\u2019 markets generate $2.4 billion dollars in sales for American farmers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Farmers who sell directly to consumers are more likely to stay in business and grow their operations. According to the <\/span>USDA\u2019s Economic Research Service<\/span><\/a>, local food systems generate 13 farm operator jobs per $1 million in sales, compared to only three jobs for those that do not sell locally. Therefore, buying locally is not just beneficial for Maryland growers and producers, it is good for the entire community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hundreds of Maryland farmers and producers participate annually in the Farmers\u2019 Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for Women, Infants, Children (WIC) and Seniors. Over half of all Maryland markets also participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) \u2013 formerly known as food stamps. MDA also provides an annual grant of $100,000 to organizations that provide matching dollars to these federal nutrition programs at farmers markets. These programs help expand access for low-income Marylanders to be able to purchase fresh produce at Maryland farmers\u2019 markets. A <\/span>recent study<\/span><\/a> found that for every $1 of nutrition incentives spent on farm direct purchases, an estimated $3 is contributed back to the U.S. economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some statistics about Maryland farmers markets:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n