In recognition of the important aspect farmers markets play in American life, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has proclaimed August 2–8 as National Farmers Market Week. This week marks its 16th annual celebration.

Across the country, farmers markets are central to many towns and cities, some even serving as town squares. They are community gathering places where America’s food producers build successful businesses and bring fresh, local food to market. To match their growing popularity, some farmers markets stay open longer, feature live music, and offer an ever-expanding variety of prepared foods.

National Farmers Market Week is an opportunity to hold special events that celebrate farmers and ranchers who improve access to fresh, healthy food. Now is the time to plan an event at your farmers market. It is a great way to show why we love the farmers, vendors, and customers who make farmers markets great!

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Anne Alonzo will kick-off National Farmers Market Week on August 1 at the Santa Fe Farmers Market in New Mexico. AMS will also host a special event the USDA Farmers Market on August 7, just outside the USDA Headquarters in Washington, DC. We hope you will join us in celebrating our farmers, ranchers, and producers who bring local food to our communities.

Further Information

Share the celebration on social media with the #FarmMktWk hashtag on Twitter @USDA_AMS and facebook.com/USDA. For more information or to share your event, contact Peter Wood, AMS Public Affairs Office, at peter.wood@ams.usda.gov or 202-720-6179.