VA: CELEBRATE VIRGINIA FARMERS’ MARKET WEEK AUGUST 1-7, 2010
News Date July 20, 2010
Their popularity is increasing, their numbers have more than doubled since 2004 and they help support farm jobs across Virginia. Farmers’ markets, now more than 190 strong in Virginia, are an essential element in communities across the Commonwealth. To celebrate their growing importance to consumers, farmers and the economy of the state, Governor Bob McDonnell has recognized the week of August 1 – 7, 2010 as Farmers’ Market Week in Virginia. And as an extra added enticement, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is sponsoring a photo contest with prizes in four categories. Details are available here.
Matthew J. Lohr, VDACS Commissioner, commented that farmers’ markets are a great tradition in Virginia that date from the very early days of the Commonwealth. “Several markets – Richmond and Alexandria among them – claim to be the oldest farmers’ markets in the nation operating from the same location. But it doesn’t matter if a market is 250 years old or just opened this summer, it’s still a great place to find Virginia Grown tomatoes, homemade strawberry jam, fresh meats and cheeses or a chat with neighbors and friends,” Lohr said. He added that people often can find and talk to the person who grew, produced or processed the fresh, delicious food they have come to buy. To continue reading, click here. (Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804.786.7686)