Two Virginia farmers’ markets are near the top of the People’s Choice Leaders list in the American Farmland Trust’s annual Farmers Market Celebration.
Williamsburg Farmers Market is ranked second, and the Charlottesville City Market is ranked seventh. Virginia is the only state to have two markets in the Top 10.
“Virginians have always known we had the best markets, and that continues to show,” said Tony Banks, a commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “Virginia is home to many farmers’ markets that offer a variety of freshly produced or grown items for consumers to enjoy. It’s great to see that consumers are enjoying their local markets and voting for them in a nationwide contest.”
Adding to summer’s farmers’ market excitement, American Farmland Trust released new state and national leaderboards showcasing the 50 most-endorsed farmers’ markets.
Its Farmers Market Celebration encourages market customers, farmers and community activists to endorse their markets in four areas: Focus on Farmers, Healthy Food for All, Pillar of the Community and Champion for the Environment. Shoppers can continue endorsing their favorite markets through Sept. 21at lovemyfarmersmarket.org.
AFT will present national awards to the most-endorsed markets in the four areas, as well as a “People’s Choice Award,” and recognize three most-recommended farmers’ markets in each state.
While Virginia now has 259 farmers’ markets, just 10 years ago there were only 88.
“The farmers’ market movement exploded in Virginia and continues to grow,” Banks said. “Every year there are new markets that open, which adds to an abundance of fresh, flavorful foods available.”
Right now shoppers can find locally grown melons, tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers and more at their local markets. To find a farmers’ market near you, visit virginiagrown.com.
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