8-2-05 |
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MANCHIN PROCLAIMS FARMERS' MARKET WEEK IN WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, III, has proclaimed August 7-13 as West Virginia Farmers' Market Week and First Lady Gayle Manchin is scheduled to help kick off the celebration a few days early when she welcomes Capitol Farmers' Market to the West Virginia Capitol Complex. In celebration of West Virginia Farmers' Market Week, vendors from Capitol Market will set up shop on the Capitol plaza for "Capitol Market at the Capitol" Thursday, August 4, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. , as well as the first three Thursdays in September and the third Thursday in October. " West Virginia 's people are its greatest asset, but too many of us have less than healthy eating habits," said Governor Manchin. "We all know the benefits of eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and I encourage West Virginians throughout the state to visit their local farmers' markets for some farm-fresh produce." Also scheduled to attend the ribbon cutting and kick-off are Secretary of Department of Health & Human Resources Martha Walker and Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass, who praised Governor Manchin's commitment to a healthier West Virginia and his support of West Virginia 's farm community. "I am very grateful to Governor Manchin for recognizing the linkage between West Virginia 's freshly grown produce and a better lifestyle for our state's citizens," said Commissioner Douglass. "Plus, these markets provide an economic boost for communities and local farmers and help to preserve our state's rural heritage." The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that more than 3,700 farmers' markets currently operate throughout the nation - a record level. Sales generated by those markets are estimated to top $1 billion, with most of the money going directly to small family farms. Programs such as the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program - which provides $20 worth of farmers' market vouchers to eligible senior citizens - have further increased the popularity of shopping for fresh produce at local markets. West Virginia has 85 farmers' markets and 14 farm stands, according to Jean Smith, Director of Marketing and Development for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA). "We've seen an upswing in the number of farmers' markets and farm stands operating throughout the state," said Smith. "This is in part due to the Senior Farmers' Market Program, but I think it also shows that there is a substantial consumer market for West Virginia Grown products." Capitol Market vendors scheduled to attend the event are The Purple Onion and John Crihfield Farm.
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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