Governor Patrick Proclaims August 19-25 Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week

Governor Deval Patrick proclaimed August 19-25 Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week, calling farmers’ markets across the state “essential to the vitality of Massachusetts farms.”

The week will officially kick off on Monday, August 20, when Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner Greg Watson reads the proclamation at the 28th Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest at Boston’s City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market.

“Farmers’ markets are great places for communities to gather and enjoy fresh, healthy and locally-grown foods, while also helping sustain our agricultural history and traditions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan, whose office includes DAR.

Farmers’ markets “create a festive open air setting which enhances community spirit and civic pride by offering a natural place for community gathering,” according to the proclamation, which also says markets, “help heighten public awareness of the agricultural diversity of Massachusetts and the benefits of buying local and preserving open space.”

“Not only can you find a growing variety of Massachusetts-grown products, but shoppers can also engage with the producers who grow, raise and produce their food,” said Commissioner Watson. “This personal exchange is what differentiates farmers’ markets from most other retail venues.”

With over 250 farmers’ markets open this summer and fall, shoppers in communities across the state – urban, suburban, and rural alike - have easy access to an array of freshly-harvested fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, as well as local farm items such as maple syrup, honey, eggs, meat, poultry, baked goods, wine, jams and jellies.

DAR compiles an annual list of Massachusetts farmers’ markets, listing days, locations, times, and opening and closing dates for each market. An interactive map of farmers’ markets statewide is available at http://www.mass.gov/agr/massgrown/farmers_markets.htm.

Related posts:

1. Patrick-Murray Administration Secures Federal Relief For Massachusetts Farmers In 11 Counties Impacted By Irene
2. Federal Relief On Its Way for Massachusetts Farmers
3. Governor Patrick Busted During Massachusetts Car-Free Week
4. Governor Patrick Launches “Plant Something” Initiative
5. Celebrating the Expansion of the Massachusetts Wine and Cheese Trail

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Posted by jcashman on Aug 19 2012. Filed under Featured - For home page featured article, Lifestyle, Top Stories. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry