2007 PRESS RELEASES
July 26, 2007
GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS VIRGINIA FARMERS MARKET WEEK AUGUST 5 – 11
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
The week of August 5 – 11, 2007 will be a very special one for the more than 100 farmers markets across the Commonwealth. It’s Farmers Market Week, as proclaimed by Governor Timothy M. Kaine, and an ideal time to celebrate the bounty of Virginia agriculture.
According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), in August produce is at its peak and farmers markets are brimming with fresh Virginia Grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers, as well as the unusual and hard-to-find such as heirloom and specialty varieties. Many markets also offer cheeses, baked goods, meats, homemade preserves, organic items and much more. You never know just what you will find at a farmers market but on every visit you will discover a different, diverse and delicious mix.
The mix is sure to be as fresh as possible because growers bring their fruits, vegetables and herbs from their farms down the road and don’t have to truck them across the state. When they are so close to the market, farmers wait until the last minute to harvest so every item is as flavorful as possible. And because fresher produce retains more nutrients, the just-picked vegetables and fruits contain optimum amounts of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.
At farmers markets not only will you find delicious fresh Virginia Grown produce such as tomatoes, sweet corn, blackberries, cucumbers, green beans, and squash, you may also meet the local farmers who grew them and learn about the care and skill farming demands.
Farmers markets certainly benefit consumers but they also give new and small-scale farmers a first-time outlet for their products, provide experienced agricultural producers additional marketing and sales opportunities, and offer to both increased financial returns via direct sales. Farmers markets also serve as important links among urban, suburban and rural communities and enhance their local economies.
VDACS suggests you celebrate Farmers Market Week, August 5 – 11, with a visit. Click here to find a farmers market nearby, explore the many possibilities.