Support native ag throughout Farmers Market Week

Support native ag throughout Farmers Market Week

Published 2:44 pm Friday, August 7, 2026

National Farmers Market Week, noticed Aug. 2-8, is a chance to assist native agriculture by visiting a farmers market and recognizing the numerous advantages they supply. 

Beyond providing all kinds of merchandise, farmers markets play an necessary function in stimulating native economies, strengthening communities, rising entry to contemporary meals, and preserving farmland and rural livelihoods.

According to the Virginia Farmers Market Association (VFMA), there are 356 farmers markets throughout Virginia. Food offered at farmers markets travels a median of simply 32 miles, in comparison with roughly 1,500 miles for meals generally present in grocery shops.

Locally raised meat, eggs and dairy merchandise have been particularly fashionable with customers this yr, McClelland stated. Summer favorites resembling candy corn, watermelon, sourdough bread and kimchi even have been in excessive demand.

For producers searching for further assist, organizations such because the VFMA supply sources and coaching applications via Farmers Market University and the Virginia Certified Farmers Market System

“Farmers markets give customers direct access to the freshest possible produce, meat and dairy, often harvested within hours of reaching the market, while giving farmers a venue to sell directly to their neighbors and keep every dollar spent,” stated Jessica McClelland, communications supervisor for Virginia Fresh Match, a community of farmers markets that present meals help to prospects in tandem with SNAP advantages.