8-4-2006 |
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STATE FARMERS’ MARKETS REACHING MORE CONSUMERS Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is inviting all West Virginians to help celebrate National Farmers' Market Week August 6-12, 2006. "Farmers' markets allow growers to directly market their farm products to consumers throughout the country and West Virginia," said Commissioner Douglass. "Farmers' markets are becoming more popular as people look for fresh and healthful options to add to their diets. They also build awareness in urban areas about agriculture and the critical role it plays in our society." The number of farmers' markets in West Virginia has exploded in recent years, according to Jean Smith, Director of Marketing and Development at the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA). "We've seen lots of new markets and farm stands start up in the past few years, and perhaps even more importantly, we're seeing more creative ways of marketing local produce and agriculture in general," she said. Smith cited on-location farm stands and senior centers that set up weekly markets to help seniors without transportation. She also noted the "Capitol Market at the Capitol" program where vendors set up stands on the Capitol Plaza and a similar program that brings Capitol Market produce to WVDA headquarters just outside of Charleston. She credited federal farmers' market nutrition programs for senior citizens and WIC participants - cooperatively administered by WVDA and the State Department of Health and Human Resources - for helping to increase the number and popularity of farmers' markets. The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides approximately 35,000 eligible West Virginians with $20 worth of vouchers annually to redeem at participating markets and stands. Participating in the SFMNP in West Virginia are 370 farmers, 23 local markets, 110 farm stands and seven community markets that take consignments or operate as collaborative enterprises. USDA provided $16 million in grants this year to 38 states that participate in the SFMNP. Nationally, the number of farmers' markets in the United States has grown 111 percent from 1994 to 2004. According to the 2004 National Farmers' Market Directory, there are over 3,700 farmers' markets operating in the United States. In fiscal year 2005, fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs were available from 14,600 farmers at 2,600 farmers' markets, as well as 2,000 roadside stands and 237 community supported agriculture programs.
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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