Perdue Proclaims National Farmers’ Market Week

U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue proclaims August 6 – 13 to be National Farmers Market Week. It’s the 18th straight year that the USDA has supported local producers by encouraging families to meet and buy from the farmers and other vendors at their local farmers market. Perdue signed a proclamation noting farmers markets and other agricultural direct marketing outlets contribute roughly $9 billion each year to the U.S. economy. They also serve as significant outlets for small-to-medium, as well as new and veteran, producers to market agricultural goods, generating revenue that supports the sustainability of family farms and rural communities. Every week, thousands of U.S. farmers markets will feature the range of produce, fruit, meat, dairy, and specialty products available from their local and regional producers. USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory makes it easy to locate farmers’ markets across the country. Buying directly from farmers and entrepreneurs has a major impact in helping to diversify farm incomes and supporting other businesses by keeping more money in the local community.