Promoting a growing sector of the state’s agriculture economy, Governor Sam Brownback proclaimed August as Farmers Market Month in Kansas and the week of August 3-9, as Farmers Market Week.
Farmers markets provide consumers with access to fresh, local foods and connect them with the farmers that produce their food. Farmers markets contribute to the local economy of Kansas communities and can be instrumental in building stronger small businesses.
Governor Brownback and the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and Department for Children and Families (DCF) recognize the importance of partnering with farmers markets and helping them be more successful as evidenced by enacting the Farmers Markets Promotion Act, SB 120 in 2013.
Registered farmers markets have access to marketing, outreach and advocacy efforts through From the Land of Kansas, the state’s agricultural trademark program, and the ability to receive benefits from federal grant dollars awarded to KDA on behalf of Kansas farmers markets.
“Farmers markets play an important role in agricultural advocacy and rural economic growth,” said Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey. “From 1987 to 2014, the number of farmers markets in Kansas increased from 26 to 130. As we see this segment of agriculture continue to grow in the future, the Farmers Market Promotion Act enables the markets to expand and be more successful as Kansans take the opportunity to purchase quality food directly from our farmers and growers.”
To locate local farmers markets and learn how to register a farmers market, please visit www.fromthelandofkansas.com/ksfms.