August 3, 2007
Bronson Proclaims National Farmers’ Market Week
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson and the Florida Cabinet have joined U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in proclaiming August 5-11, 2007, as “National Farmers’ Market Week.” Cabinet members signed a resolution recognizing the week to focus on the importance of farmers’ markets.
A farmers’ market is a place where farmers can sell produce directly to the consumer. In addition to selling fresh fruits and vegetables, many also offer fish, poultry, dairy and meats. The markets provide growers with small- and medium-sized farms -- who don’t produce in bulk or have marketing budgets -- with a venue to sell their products. Farmers get a reasonable return on their crops and buyers are assured a quality, fresh product at competitive prices.
In recognition of the growing trend toward farmers’ markets, Secretary Johanns has designated a week to take note of their benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that over 4,500 farmers’ markets currently operate in the United States and sales are estimated to exceed $1 billion annually, with most of the money going directly to small family farmers in the local community.
Florida boasts many farmers’ markets. They are broken down into two types. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services operates a system of 13 State Farmers’ Markets. Market managers provide expertise and facilities for assembling, marketing and selling Florida produce. For example, several small tomato farmers may gather at a market to package their product for export to other areas. Many will just sell locally. More than 25 million units of fresh fruits and vegetables valued at more than $225 million are annually sold through the State Farmers’ Markets.
“Many farms do not have the resources to create huge distribution networks,” Bronson said. “By pooling their resources and working with area State Farmers’ Markets, they are able to earn a living and resist the pressure to develop their land.”
There are also about 77 community farmers’ markets across the state. People who shop at farmers’ markets enjoy fresh, wholesome produce throughout the growing season, while helping to keep small farms viable. There are also less-obvious benefits: buying locally grown food conserves energy and other natural resources, reduces air and water pollution, preserves green space, and helps build a stronger, more close-knit community.
For information on community farmers’ markets in Florida, including locations, days and hours of operation, and contact information, visit www.Florida-Agriculture.com.
For information on farmers’ markets nationwide, including USDA’s National Directory of Farmers’ Markets, visit www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets.
For more information:
Liz Compton
(850) 488-3022
comptol@doacs.state.fl.us
