US States Observe National Farmers Market Week in August

Chester County, Pennsylvania, proclaimed the first full week of August (Aug. 2‑8) as National Farmers Market Week after county commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing the economic and public‑health benefits of local markets. The proclamation was presented to Carrie Harkness, manager of the West Chester Growers Market, and AgConnect program manager Jordan Peek, highlighting the role of farmers markets in supporting farms, food security and community cohesion.

In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz issued a similar proclamation, and the state Department of Agriculture partnered with Minnesota Grown, the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association, the Minnesota Farmers Union and the Land Stewardship Project to host events at nine markets across the state. Minnesota’s network includes more than 400 farmers’ markets and over 10,000 vendors, providing income for farmers, fresh food for residents and cultural nourishment for diverse communities.