For many Americans, the start of summer means a visit to the farmers market. Beginning at noon (Eastern time) today, throughout the nation can vote for their favorite markets at www.votemyfarmersmarket.org during American Farmland Trust’s 4th annual America’s Favorite Farmers Markets™ contest.
The summer-long competition aims to see which farmers markets can generate the most votes from their customers. The goal of the contest is to promote the role that farmers markets play in keeping family farmers on the land.
"Shopping at farmers markets is one my favorite parts of the summer," said American Farmland Trust President Jon Scholl. “In addition to the freshest local foods, farmers markets offer a great way for consumers to get to know the farmers who grow their food.”
The 2012 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets™ contest has been expanded to include all 7,175 markets that are listed in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Farmers Market Directory. As part of the contest, a $1000 Farmers Market Inspiration Award, sponsored by the Farmers Market Coalition, will be presented to a farmer showing the greatest dedication to his/her market.
“American Farmland Trust is delivering an extremely valuable service by going above and beyond to educate the public about the value and importance of preserving farmland,” said Howard Herman, manager of the Falls Church Farmers Market
According to the contest rules, people can vote for as many participating farmers markets as they choose, but can only vote for each market once. Voting runs through midnight on Monday September 3, when one small, one medium, one mid-size, and one large market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers Market” for 2012. The winning markets will be featured in the media and will be honored at local celebrations organized by American Farmland Trust.
For more information about the 2012 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest or to vote, visit www.votemyfarmersmarket.org.
American Farmland Trust is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land. Since its founding in 1980 by a group of farmers and citizens concerned about the rapid loss of farmland to development, AFT has helped save millions of acres of farmland from development and led the way for the adoption of conservation practices on millions more.
AFT’s national office is located in Washington, DC. Phone: 202-331-7300. For more information, visit www.farmland.org.
Area Farmers' Markets
Here's a round-up of farmers' market in the area. Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!
- The is held Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at .
- The is held Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. at .
- The Guilford/Dudley Farm Farmers' Market is held Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- The will be open this summer on Sundays, beginning July 8 and running through to Oct. 7, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the parking lot on Main Street.
- The Chester Farmers' Market is held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Downtown Chester Center.
- The City of New Haven also offers farmers' markets on a variety of days in different neighborhoods.
