SECRETARY KAWAMURA RECOGNIZES NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK

SACRAMENTO–  August 5, 2010 - The USDA has designated the week of August 1-7 as National Farmers Market week, and CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura is calling on Californians to recognize the state’s certified farmers markets for their roles in assisting with healthy diets and ensuring the overall success of farmers markets nationally.

“California’s certified farmers markets are an important venue to bring farmers and consumers together,” said Secretary Kawamura.  “In addition to providing healthy food, certified farmers markets conduct outreach on nutrition and wholesome eating habits, and are a great way for consumers to buy California Grown.”

California leads the nation with nearly 600 certified farmers markets, serving as venues for an estimated 2,200 certified agricultural producers selling high-quality produce directly to consumers. CDFA created the Certified Farmers Market program in 1977—the first in the nation—to provide consumers with the assurance that they are buying directly from producers.

“Farmers markets celebrate the relationships all consumers have with farms,” added Secretary Kawamura.  “We are fortunate that many farmers markets operate year round because of our states ability to grow a cornucopia of different products.”

The number of farmers markets in the United States continues to grow dramatically, prompting state and national advocates of local farming to designate a week each year to take note of their benefits. California joins the nation in celebrating in National Farmers Market Week.

For a complete list of certified farmers markets in California, please visit:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/cfm.html

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