News Release 8-3-2001 |
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NATIONAL FARMERS’ MARKET WEEK AUGUST 5-11 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHARLESTON, WV — West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass invites residents to visit their local farmers’ market during National Farmers’ Market Week August 5-11. "Farmers’ markets are an integral part of West Virginia’s agricultural economy," said Commissioner Douglass. "They provide an excellent outlet for our value-added agribusiness products and our delicious West Virginia-grown produce. Those not familiar with our farmers’ markets should know that they can put together the ingredients for a fresh, delicious and nutritious meal in about 15 minutes." The WVDA oversees the management of four markets located in Charleston, Logan, Weston and Inwood, and supports nearly two dozen independent markets with its "West Virginia Grown" and other promotional programs. A complete list of these markets can be downloaded at http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/states/wvirgini.htm. West Virginia also administers the "Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program," which provides senior citizens with vouchers that can be redeemed at farmers’ markets across the state for fresh, wholesome produce. The Program allows fixed-income seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables on their limited budgets, which also increases demand for West Virginia-grown crops. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, direct marketing of farm products through farmers’ markets continues to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. Farmers’ markets, now an integral part in the urban/farm linkage, have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. The number of farmers’ markets in the United States has grown dramatically, increasing 63 percent from 1994 to 2000. According to the 2000 National Farmers’ Market Directory, there are more than 2,800 farmers’ markets operating in the United States. This growth clearly indicates that farmers’ markets are meeting the needs of a growing number of farmers with small- to medium-sized operations. Farmers’ markets are an important source of revenue. 19,000 farmers reported selling their produce only at farmers’ markets 82 percent of markets are self-sustaining; market income is sufficient to pay for all costs associated with the operation of the market (not including grant or in-kind support) 58 percent of markets participate in WIC coupon, food stamps, local and/or state nutrition programs
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