Padilla, Ernst Announce First Congressionally Recognized Farmers Market Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced the first-ever congressional resolution to celebrate National Farmers Market Week, from August 6th through August 12th, 2023. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in bringing communities together, supporting livelihoods, and enriching the lives of millions of Americans, from farmers and food producers to consumers. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the Senate.
Farmers markets build community, bolster local agricultural economies, and improve consumer health and wellness, including for low-income Americans who receive federal nutrition benefits. They also help bridge urban and rural communities, contributing to a better public understanding of farming and ranching. Farmers markets have grown exponentially across the country over the past few decades, rising from 1,755 markets in 1994 to 8,771 in 2019. In 2020, they accounted for $1.7 billion in income for American farmers.
“Our farmers markets nourish our neighborhoods, strengthen our local economies, and help cultivate relationships between growers and consumers,” said Senator Padilla. “We cherish these spaces as a vibrant and dependable source of nutrition and community. I am proud to celebrate National Farmers Market Week and to support our local farmers, who feed our families and bring us together.”
“As the second largest agricultural state, farmers markets are an important source of farm fresh food for families across Iowa,” said Senator Ernst. “When Iowans buy and sell close to home, they support local economies, promote healthy communities, and put hard earned money back into producers’ pockets. I’m honored to work with my colleagues to celebrate National Farmers Market Week.”
“On this National Farmers Market Week, we are reminded of the many ways farmers markets support our communities. They provide a platform for local farmers, foster healthy eating habits, promote sustainability, and serve as vibrant meeting places that unite people around the love of fresh, locally-produced food,” said the Farmers Market Coalition. “We thank Senators Padilla and Ernst for their dedication to farmers markets and the communities they serve. As we celebrate this special week, let’s continue supporting our local farmers markets and appreciate their unique and indispensable roles in our lives.”
Farm groups across the United States have celebrated National Farmers Market Week for 24 years, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially recognized National Farmers Market Week since 2021.
Full text of the resolution is available here.
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