Two Virginia farmers markets in top five favorites nationwide

A national contest sponsored by American Farmland Trust found that Virginia is home to some of the country’s highest-rated farmers markets.

Voting has closed for America’s favorite farmers’ markets, and the Charlottesville and Williamsburg markets are in the Top 5 in all five categories: People’s Choice, Focus on Farmers, Healthy Food for All, Pillar of the Community and Champion for the Environment. Charlottesville was No. 2 in focusing on farmers and championing the environment and No. 3 in the other categories. Williamsburg was No. 4 in all categories. Falls Church, Harrisonburg and Arlington all hovered around the 30^th spot nationwide.

“Farmers’ markets contribute to the economy of communities across the Commonwealth, while providing fresh and healthy products to Virginia consumers and a direct market for our producers” said Sandy Adams, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).  “We have seen the rise in popularity of markets across the state, and we knew that Charlottesville and Williamsburg were very highly regarded in their communities. To see them near the top of a national list is particularly rewarding. We are equally proud of Falls Church, Harrisonburg and Arlington.”

Full contest results are available here: markets.farmland.org.

Farmers’ Market season continues through October across the state and even runs into the winter in many areas. Consumers can find markets near them on VirginiaGrown.com.