Join Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA) in celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week, August 4-10, 2013. Farmers’ markets provide a source for healthy produce, an area for people to connect with local farmers and a community gathering place. “We’re really excited about National Farmers’ Market Week,” said John Silviera, Director of PCFMA. “It’s a great opportunity to highlight the benefits of farmers’ markets and we’ll be celebrating with a lot of fun activities and giveaways at our markets.”
PCFMA will celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week during the entire month of August with the “Love My Market” photo contest. Those interested in participating, should submit a photo of what they love about their farmers’ market to lovemymarket@pcfma.com. Please include the name of your farmers' market!  Additionally, entry forms can be picked up at one of the 70+ PCFMA farmers’ markets. Contestants will have a chance to win the GRAND PRIZE of a two night retreat at Lone Oak Ranch including cottage accommodations on the Kings River, dinner and a farm tour! Lone Oak Ranch is a certified organic 4th generation family farm that produces citrus fruits, grapes, almonds and more. Second and third prizes include “Carrot Cash” (which is good at any farmers’ market that PCFMA operates), a reusable bag filled with fresh seasonal produce and a market cookbook.
Each year, an increasing number of Americans in diverse communities get more of their food from farmers’ markets. From 1994 to 2011, the number of farmers’ markets in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Farmers Market Directory increased from 1755 to 7175 – a 308% increase! Still continuing to rise, from 2011 to 2012, farmers’ markets increased 9.6 percent, with 7,864 farmers markets being listed in the directory. Farmers markets benefit:- Producers – small and medium-sized producers can achieve reliable income, obtain better prices than other distribution channels and develop/test new product lines.
- Consumers – give consumers access to locally-produced, farm-fresh food, and the opportunity to develop relationships with farmers, as well as directly contributing to local farm viability.
- The Community – farmers’ markets contribute toward robust local economies and neighborhoods and provide more accessible healthy and fresh food options.
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