Virginia Celebrates National Farmers Market Week

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack proclaimed Aug. 3-9 “National Farmers Market Week” and Virginia is among the top ten states for farmers markets.

To celebrate, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) wants Virginians to visit their nearest farmers markets and “buy local.”

The number of farmers markets across the nation has grown by 76 percent since 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Virginia is ranked ninth for its number of farmers markets, with roughly 250 of the nation’s 8,200 farmers markets. Michigan tops the list of states with the most farmers markets, followed by New York and California, respectively.

“National Farmers Market Week is a great opportunity for farmers markets across the country to host special events to showcase all the tremendous services they provide,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Farmers markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support family farms, and help grow rural economies. They bring communities together, connecting cities with the farms that support them and provide Americans across the country with fresh, healthy food.”

Head to the VDACS website for more information on a selection of food festivals taking place this week.

Click here to find a farmers market near you.

Image: Virginia.edu