Governor proclaims Farmers Market Week Aug. 3-9 in Virginia

It’s the best time to enjoy the bounty of the summer season. At farmers’ markets across the Commonwealth, families will find Virginia Grown tomatoes, corn, squash, peaches, melons, berries, flowers and more harvested at the peak of flavor, freshness and nutrition. To celebrate, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe proclaims August 3-9, 2014 as “Virginia Farmers’ Market Week.”

According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), there are more than 200 farmers’ markets statewide. These markets play a vital role in giving Virginia farms direct access to consumers, and consumers direct access to farmers. Farmers’ markets spur economic development, foster community engagement, support local farmers and provide fresh, nutritious food for Virginians.

Virginians can find markets in rural and urban neighborhoods across the state. In many Virginia communities, farmers’ markets have increased in number and popularity over the years. To celebrate Virginia Farmers’ Market Week, VDACS offers a few suggestions:

Buy an unusual fruit or vegetable and ask the farmer about its nutritional benefits and how to prepare it.

Give children a few dollars and encourage them to buy their favorite vegetable for dinner and let them help prepare it.

Ask a farmer how he or she grows a specific plant and what part he harvests: the root, the leaves, the stem, the part hanging from the vine, etc.

Have a potluck dinner where guests bring a dish or two from products bought at a local farmers’ market. Up the ante by asking everyone to bring one item from the market to decorate the tables. Give prizes for the most unusual dish, the best-tasting dessert or the most creative decoration.

Pledge to spend at least $10 a week at local farmers’ markets with the “Farm. Fresh. Pledge!” program, or continue to fill your punch card for the chance to win a Virginia Grown/Virginia’s Finest® prize pack valued at up to $200.

VDACS maintains a list of Virginia farmers’ markets by region on VirginiaGrown.com. Farmers’ markets are invited to add or update their listing. Market managers, vendors and consumers are encouraged to follow VDACS on Twitter and Facebook and use the social media hashtag #VirginiaGrown to share what’s fresh throughout the season.