Davis Farmers Market Among 'Most Celebrated' In California

By Jennifer Squires

We all know the Davis Farmers Market is a hometown favorite. Now it can also claim the distinction of being one of the "most celebrated markets" in California. 

The summer-long "I Love My Farmers Market Celebration" organized by the American Farmland Trust named the Aptos market the top "most celebrated" in the state and No. 2 in the United States.

The online campaign encouraged consumers to pledge to spend $10 at their local farmers market. A total of $259,690 was pledged to be spent at farmers’ markets this season, including  $10,730, which happens year-round on Saturday mornings in Central Park. 

The pledges will put more than a quarter-million dollars directly into the pockets of family farmers. For every $10 spent on local food, as much as $7.80 is re-spent in the local community, supporting local jobs and businesses, according to statistics compiled by the American Farmland Trust. Also, the farmer takes home almost $8-9 instead of the $1.58 that farmers and ranchers receive when food is purchased through a retail market. 

“Farmers and ranchers are the cornerstone of our country," said Susan Sink, Vice President of Development and External Affairs at American Farmland Trust. "Yet their lands are under constant threat from development and unchecked urbanization. This is why we created the I Love My Farmers Market Celebration — to showcase the role that farmers markets play in keeping family farmers on their land."

The national winner was the Snellville Farmers Market in Georgia,with $27,460 dollars pledged.

The Aptos Farmers Market finished first in pledges in California farmers markets; Ukiah Saturday Farmers Market finished third.

This marks the fifth year that American Farmland Trust has hosted a summer-long event to honor our nation’s hardworking family farmers and to raise the national awareness about our bountiful farmers markets.