Baton Rouge, La - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has
signed a proclamation declaring Aug.
7-13, 2016, as "National Farmers Market Week." This year marks the 17th
annual National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role
that farmers markets play in local economies.
"Farmers markets are an important part of strong local
and regional food systems that connect farmers with new customers and grow
rural economies. In many areas, they are also expanding access to fresh,
healthy food for people of all income levels," said Secretary Vilsack.
"National Farmers Market Week recognizes the growth of these markets and
their role in supporting both urban and rural communities."
Throughout the week, USDA officials will celebrate at
farmers market locations across the country. On Saturday, Aug. 6, Elanor
Starmer, the Administrator of USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) –
which conducts research, provides technical assistance, and awards grants to
support local and regional food systems – will kick off the week visiting a
farmers market and wrap up the week at USDA's own farmers market in Washington,
D.C., on Friday, Aug. 12.
"Farmers markets are a gathering place where you can
buy locally produced food, and at the same time, get to know the farmer and
story behind the food you purchase," said Administrator Starmer.
"These types of markets improve earning potential for farmers and
ranchers, building stronger community ties and access to local foods."
To help farmers’ market managers across the country promote
and celebrate National Farmers Market Week, USDA is sharing online free farmers
market related graphics that market managers and others can use to customize
posters, emails, websites and other promotional materials. The graphics, along
with a short demonstration video, can be found at: www.ams.usda.gov/resources/NFMW
Over the course of the Obama Administration, USDA has
invested close to $1 billion in 40,000 local food businesses and infrastructure
projects. Farmers markets provide consumers with fresh, affordable, convenient,
and healthy products from local producers. With support from USDA, more farmers
markets offer customers the opportunity to make purchases with the Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program; the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition
Program; and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs.
Supporting farmers markets is a part of the USDA's Know
Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF2) Initiative, which coordinates the
Department's work to develop strong local and regional food systems. USDA is
committed to helping farmers, ranchers, and businesses access the growing
market for local and regional foods, which was valued at $12 billion in 2014
according to industry estimates. You can also find local and regional supply
chain resources on the newly-revamped KYF2
website and use the KYF2
Compass to locate USDA investments in your community.
Full details
available at http://bit.ly/2aqNYw9.
More information on how USDA investments are connecting
producers with consumers and expanding rural economic opportunities is
available in Chapter
IV of USDA Results on Medium.
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