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FRANKFORT,
Ky. — Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer
is inviting all of Kentucky in celebrating August 1-7
as “National Farmers' Market Week.”
Governor
Ernie Fletcher has issued a proclamation officially
proclaiming the special week “to further the expansion
and awareness of farmers' markets and the contributions
farmers make to daily life in Kentucky.”
The
number of farmers' markets in Kentucky has grown dramatically
in recent years, prompting the Kentucky Department of
Agriculture to designate a week each year to take note
of their benefits. Kentucky has 97 farmers' markets,
KDA farmers' market specialist Janet Eaton reported,
and University of Kentucky economists estimate sales
at Kentucky farmers' markets will reach $5.4 million
this year. Across the nation, sales generated
by farmers' markets are estimated at more than $1 billion
every year.
Farmers'
markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables as well as
many other Kentucky Proud products such as jams, jellies,
sauces, salsas, crafts and nursery plants. Markets that
are equipped with refrigeration units sell beef, pork
and even bison meat.
“The
vitality of small and medium-sized farms across Kentucky
is good for local economies, good for consumers, and
good for the state's citizens,” Commissioner Farmer
said. “Many communities find it rewarding to invest
in local markets as a component of economic development
and are realizing benefits from the resulting tourism.”
Farmer
added: “Consumers benefit from the freshness, quality,
and wide selection of locally grown products.
Meeting and interacting with the farmer who grows the
food also develops a special bond of trust in our growers.”
For
a list of farmers' markets in Kentucky, go to www.kyagr.com
, click on Farmers' Markets, and click on Farmers'
Market Directory.
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