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STATE CELEBRATING NATIONAL FARMERS' MARKET WEEKS
Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass and the West Virginia
Department of Agriculture (WVDA) are joining with counterparts from
across the country to celebrate "National Farmers' Market Week"
Aug. 1-7.
"West Virginia's more than 50 local farmers' markets play an
important part in our state's economy and its communities,"
said Commissioner Douglass. "They provide fresh-from-the-garden
produce for consumers and income for farmers across the Mountain
State."
Commissioner Douglass pointed to the popularity of the Senior Farmers'
Market Nutrition Program and the addition of new markets this year
as examples of the growth potential of farmers' markets.
"Threats to our food supply are constantly multiplying, and,
as a result, people are becoming increasingly concerned about where
their food comes from," Commissioner Douglass continued. "Farmers'
markets answer that question. I encourage everyone to visit their
local market this week."
Nationally, the number of farmers markets has grown dramatically
in recent years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports
more than 3,000 farmers' markets currently in operation - a new
record. Sales are estimated to exceed $1 billion a year, with most
of the money going directly to small family farmers.
More information, including USDA's National Directory of Farmers'
Markets, is available at www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets, or by
calling 1-800-384-8704.
Information about West Virginia's Farmers' Markets is available
by calling 304-558-3708 or 304-558-2210. Visit the WVDA webpage
at www.wvagriculture.org.
Contact: Buddy Davidson
Communications Officer
304/558-3708, 361-9484 (pager)
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal
and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and
consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner
of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West
Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving
agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit
www.wvagriculture.org.
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