National Farmers' Market Week 2018

The US Department of Agriculture recently released a proclamation making August 5th -11th National Farmers Market Week. Local farmers' markets are hosting fun events, specials, contests and activities as a way to demonstrate how much value markets bring to our communities.

Farmers markets support Florida’s small and diversified farms, and circulate money back into our local economies. In 2016, across the nation, 115,000 farmers sold directly to consumers, generating $3 billion revenue, with more than $710 million in sales at farmers' markets, according to a 2016 NASS Local Food Marketing Practices Survey. The survey also noted that more than 80 percent of all direct market food sales occurred within 100 miles of the farm.

Some local farmers' markets, including The Beaches Green Market, Mid Week Market, Riverside Arts Market, Orange Park and St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers' Market provide SNAP/EBT card processing to those in need. According to the USDA’s 2017 data, there has been a 35.2% increase since 2012 in SNAP spending at farmers markets, resulting in $22,440,312 spent in 2017.

While summer in NE Florida is a slow growing season, there are still plenty of reasons to stop by and support local, including cooking demonstrations, activities for kids, lots of prepared food vendors, live music and engagement with a community committed to strengthening the region's food system.

To find a farmers' market near you, check the listings on Local Farmers' Market.