Stuart Farm Market Contestant For America's Favorite
July 25, 2010
Get ready Patrick County, The Stuart Farmers Market is one of the contestants in the 2010 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest hosted each year by American Farmland Trust.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 7, 2010
For more information contact:
Rebecca Adcock,
rebajksn@aol.com
Stuart Farmers Market may be voted one of
America’s Favorite Farmer’s Markets
Get ready Patrick County, The Stuart Farmers Market is one of the contestants in the 2010 America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest hosted each year by American Farmland Trust.
Stuart Farmers Market, Downtown Stuart on Fridays 8am-12pm
American Farmland Trust (AFT) has opened the voting to select “America’s Favorite Farmers Markets� at www.farmland.org/vote. The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America’s farmers markets can rally the most support from their communities. At the end of the contest on August 31st, one large, medium, small, and boutique sized farmers market will win the title of “America’s Favorite Farmers Market� for 2010. The reward for the winning markets will be a promotional package including free printing and design services, a shipment of No Farms No Food® tote bags, and more to support their role bringing farmers, food and the community together!
Farmers markets are a vital link between local farms and their supporting communities, providing fresh and healthy food and an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else. By partnering with farmers market managers, American Farmland Trust is encouraging consumers to consider the importance of farmland and to support local farmers. Market shoppers can cast their vote in support of their region’s farmers, community and market. To vote for Stuart Farmers Market, simply go to www.farmland.org/vote.
“Farmers markets are one of the best ways for consumers to support local farms and farmers,� says Julia Freedgood, Managing Director for AFT’s Growing Local Initiative. “A great way to find seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, farmers markets also support public health and economic development opportunities in our communities.� The 2007 U.S. Agricultural Census reports a 49 percent growth in sales from farms directly to consumers since 2002—representing $1.2 billon that stayed in local communities. But at the same time, over 800,000 acres of farmland are developed each year – most around cities where there is the greatest demand for local food. “We need to make the connection: there’s no local food without local farms and farmland,� says Freedgood.
American Farmland Trust is a national nonprofit organization working with farmers and ranchers to protect the land, produce a healthier environment, and build successful communities. As the nation’s leading advocate for farm and ranch land conservation, AFT has ensured that more than three million acres of land stay bountiful and productive. AFT’s national office is located in Washington, D.C. The phone number is 202-331-7300.
www.farmland.org