Governor proclaims August 12 - 19 as Farmers Market Week

Watch Governor’s Video

Washington state residents are encouraged to show their support for
family farms by shopping at their local farmers market during the
upcoming "Washington State Farmers Market Week." The Washington State
Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Washington State Farmers Market
Association (WSFMA) join Governor Chris Gregoire in proclaiming Aug.
12-19 as a time to recognize "the many benefits of our local farmers
markets."

Farmers markets in Washington increased from 60 in 1998 to more than 90
in 2006. Statewide, farmers markets reported $24 million in sales in
2005, up $2 million from the previous year. Most of those dollars go
directly to Washington family farmers. "From Anacortes to Vashon and
Bridgeport to Spokane, thousands of people are shopping each week in a
fun atmosphere to buy fresh in-season produce, flowers and other items,"
said Melisa Evangelos, president of the WSFMA and manager of the Tacoma
Farmers Market.

"Farmers markets play a vital role in rural and urban economies throughout the state, and are increasing in popularity every day," Evangelos said.

Farmers markets provide family farmers with direct access to the full retail dollar for their products, and provide the public with access to some of the freshest, best-tasting produce available.