2009 PRESS RELEASES
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July 20, 2009
CELEBRATE VIRGINIA FARMERS MARKET WEEK AUGUST 2 – 8, 2009
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
Their popularity is increasing, their numbers have doubled since 2005, and once again the Governor is taking notice. Farmers Markets, now more than 170 strong in Virginia, are an essential element in communities across the Commonwealth. To celebrate their growing importance to consumers, farmers and the economy of the state, Governor Timothy M. Kaine has recognized the week of August 2 – 8, 2009 as Farmers Market Week in Virginia.
Todd P. Haymore, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), commented, “Whether shoppers are in search of Virginia Grown tomatoes, homemade strawberry jam, fresh meats and cheeses or a chat with neighbors and friends, they can find them all at their local farmers market. And they can often find and chat with the person who grew, produced or processed the fresh, delicious food they have come to buy.”
“At farmers markets, buyers get a bonus of taste and nutrition with every produce purchase. The fresh fruits and vegetables sold at farmers markets are grown nearby, minimizing the time it takes to move them from field to fork and maximizing their time-sensitive flavors and nutrients,” Haymore added.
Consumers are not the only ones who benefit from farmers markets. Local farmers just starting out can take advantage of the markets’ readymade sales outlets and experienced farmers can use the markets to gain additional marketing and sales opportunities. Farmers markets offer all sellers the chance to increase their financial returns by selling directly to buyers.
Farmers markets help sustain Virginia’s working farms which in turn help keep the state’s economy strong, provide green and open space, and help preserve the high quality of life enjoyed by Virginians. The continuing growth of Virginia farmers markets helps maintain agriculture as the Commonwealth’s number one industry with an economic impact of $55 billion annually and 357,000 jobs to its credit.
As part of the Farmers Market Week celebration, VDACS is sponsoring an Eat Local Recipe Contest. Recipes must use as many locally grown, produced and processed products as possible. The deadline is August 15 to send in original recipes along with a photo of the cook and/or the finished product. Two winners, one child 12 or under and one adult, chosen by random drawing, will receive a prize package of Virginia’s Finest and Virginia Grown products. Complete details are online at www.virginiagrown.com .
Find a list of farmers markets throughout Virginia at www.virginiagrown.com and join the celebration of Farmers Market Week August 2 – 8, 2009 at one nearby.