2009 PRESS RELEASES
Click here to e-mail this page to a friend.
May 1, 2009
LOCAL FARMS AND MARKETS OPENING IN MAY TO SELL VIRGINIA GROWN PRODUCE AND MORE
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
Farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own farms are now open across the Commonwealth, ready to sell fresh, delicious Virginia Grown fruits, vegetables and more. Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Todd Haymore makes it a habit to select delicious, local produce such as these green beans at farmers markets and roadside stands in Virginia. The greatest bounty of Virginia produce is available July through September, but markets are now offering strawberries, asparagus, herbs, beets, onions, spinach and greens, as well as eggs, honey and other locally produced farm products.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) would like to remind everyone that May signals the opening of many of the farmers markets, farm stands and pick-your-own farms across the state. They have been refurbished and restocked and now they are ready to sell fresh and delicious Virginia Grown fruits, vegetables and more. Check www.virginiagrown.com to explore a list of over 200 venues in the Virginia Grown Guide and to find out which varieties of Virginia Grown produce are now in season with the Produce Availability Chart.
Why buy locally? Virginia Grown produce comes from farmers in the community so that means less travel time from harvest to home. It also means maximum freshness, optimal nutrition and a taste that will keep food lovers coming back for more. Each market and farm offers a unique shopping opportunity, plus a chance to get acquainted with the people who grow and supply the food you’re buying.
Todd P. Haymore, VDACS Commissioner, offered some reasons for the popularity of buying local. “At these interesting and ever-changing venues, you’ll find the freshest and best of Virginia Grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, heirloom produce, organic items, cheeses, meats, homemade preserves and a lot more. Every one of these special products represents the best efforts of a local farmer who will likely be on hand to meet you and answer your questions.”
Flavor, variety, uniqueness, nutrition and food safety are additional reasons customers cite for why they shop at Virginia’s farmers markets, farms and roadside stands. Since the products are grown nearby, farmers can wait to harvest them until taste and texture are at their peak. Then they transport their products a short distance up the road instead of across the country. The reduced time and mileage to market means every item maintains its fresh flavor and condition, and less energy is expended for transportation.
Consumers are not the only ones to enjoy the many benefits of local farm-based sales. Virginia farmers and producers reap rewards as well. These unique marketplaces give new and small-scale farmers an initial outlet for their products and provide experienced agricultural producers with additional marketing and sales opportunities. All sellers have a chance to interact with buyers, to get their feedback and exchange ideas. These marketplaces also benefit their communities by providing better access to nutritious foods, boosting the local economy, attracting tourists and forging links among urban, suburban and rural communities.
Celebrate springtime in Virginia with a visit to a local farmers market, farm stand or pick-your-own farm for the superb taste and freshness of Virginia Grown products. Find additional information at www.virginiagrown.com .