Visit Local Farmers Markets; Bountiful Fresh Produce Now Available
ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 4, 2016) – Governor Larry Hogan has declaredAugust 7-13 as Farmers Market Week in Maryland to coincide with National Farmers Market Week. The Maryland Department of Agriculture encourages citizens to celebrate the week by visiting farmers markets and buying local products. Search for a farmers market near you by visiting the Maryland’s Best website.
“Farmers Market Week is a great opportunity for Marylanders to get a taste of fresh, nutritious food grown right here in the state,” said Governor Hogan. “Buying local is a great way to support our state’s agriculture industry and promote sustainability. I encourage all Marylanders to celebrate this week with a visit to their local farmers market.”
The growing consumer demand for locally-grown products is evident at both the state and national level. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service began the National Farmers Market Directory in 1994. Since then, the number of markets voluntarily listed has grown from 1,755 to more than 8,500 across the country.
There are currently 147 farmers markets in Maryland—including at least one in each county and Baltimore City. These markets are important economic drivers for the state’s agriculture industry. Maryland farmers markets generated $51 million dollars in total sales, with more than 2.3 million consumers visiting the markets last year, according to a 2015 survey by the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Maryland Farmers Market Association.
“With growing demand for fresh, local products, Maryland farmers offer a variety of fresh produce at farmers markets across the state,” said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “These markets are an important source of income for our farm families, and provide an important link between the state’s urban and rural communities. Buying directly from the farmer gives consumers an opportunity to learn more about farming and develop trust in the integrity and accountability of our growers.”
Approximately 400 Maryland farmers also participate annually in the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for Women, Infants, Children (WIC) and Seniors, and the WIC Fruit & Vegetable Check (FVC) Program. About a third of the markets also participate in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) – formerly known as food stamps. These programs help expand access for low-income Marylanders to be able to purchase fresh local produce at Maryland farmers markets.
Some statistics about Maryland farmers markets:
- Number of MDA Recognized Farmers Markets: 147
- Number of markets with FMNP/FVC authorized farmers: 147
- Number of markets that accept SNAP: 46
- Number of markets providing matching dollars for FMNP/FVC/SNAP: 29
- Number of markets in food desert: 33
- Number of markets in food desert with SNAP: 8
National Farmers Market Week follows soon after the Maryland Buy Local Challenge week (July 23-31), which Governor Hogan celebrated with a Buy Local Cookout at Government House on July 21. The Maryland Deparment of Agriculture hopes that consumers will continue to eat local every day throughout farmers market week and beyond.
Join the celebration online and help promote National Farmers Market Week by sharing your favorite farmers market photos on social media using #FarmersMarketWeek, #
For more information on farmers’ markets in your area,visit Maryland’s Best or call 410-841-5770.
Photo Credit: Edwin Remsberg