Farmers Markets Week
For so many reasons, farmers markets have always been essential: bringing communities together with nutritious food, supporting the livelihoods of local farmers, contributing to the wellbeing of our planet, and so much more. But nothing has emphasized the intrinsic role farmers markets play in our food system quite like a global pandemic. Over the past two years, market operators have quickly adapted to implement innovative safety practices, keeping their communities healthy and fed.
So it’s that time of the year again when we celebrate Farmers’ Markets. National Farmers Market Week – the annual event, now in its 24th year, marks a celebration that emphasizes the crucial role played by farmers markets in the food system. Given the ongoing global changes, it has become more essential than ever to underscore the significance of farmers markets within communities.
The festivities for this year’s National Farmers Market Week are scheduled from August 6th to 12th, 2023. This occasion, as always, offers a distinct chance to demonstrate the worth of farmers markets to your patrons, local communities, leaders, and lawmakers. Serving as hubs for connection and community strength, farmers markets have demonstrated exceptional resilience this year by offering a much-needed sense of togetherness and stability during times of considerable uncertainty.
It’s important to recognize that farmers markets don’t come into existence by chance; the diligent efforts of those who manage these markets should be acknowledged throughout our network and spread widely. By uniting, we can recognize the accomplishments of our markets, advocating for the advantages of farmers markets, urging communities to support local produce, and striving to establish spaces where everyone can prosper.
And while we are at it, the perspective to ponder upon is this.
Farmers markets don’t just happen.
Farmers markets stand as a source of nourishment, camaraderie, and tenacity within our communities. Yet, they don’t spontaneously come into existence. Tucked away from the spotlight of every successful farmers market, there exists an unwavering group, committed to nurturing the market’s success. These operators of farmers markets are skilled practitioners who rely on both communal and financial backing to sustain their markets, along with resources meticulously tailored to meet their distinct requirements.
Extend your support to your local farmers’ markets and celebrate with us this week dedicated to farmers’ markets by sharing your markets stories and joining us at our markets.
