State agriculture officials and our governor have finally realized something we have know for a long time here – the importance of farmers markets.
Promoting a growing sector of the state’s agriculture economy, Gov. Sam Brownback proclaimed August as Farmers’ Market Month in Kansas and the week of August 5-10, as Farmers’ Market Week.
“Farmers’ markets provide consumers with access to fresh, local foods and connect them with the farmers who produce their food,” a statement from Kansas Department of Agriculture reads. Farmers’ markets keep money in local Kansas communities and provide additional marketing opportunities for small businesses.
Brownback and the KDA recognize the importance of partnering with farmers’ markets and helping them succeed as evidenced by enacting the Farmers’ Markets Promotion Act, SB 120, in 2013. SB 120 establishes a central registration of markets and limits the legal liability of registered farmers’ markets. Registered farmers’ markets will 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 Dale Rodman. From 1987 to 2012, the number of farmers’ markets in Kansas increased from 26 to 118. “As we see this segment of agriculture continues to grow in the future, the Farmers’ Market Promotion Act will enable KDA to partner with the markets and help them be more successful.”
For years, there has been a die-hard band of area farmers and gardeners gathering in the Great Bend Public Library parking lot to peddle their produce during the summer months. More recently, Great Bend city and Barton County Health Department officials have organized the Summer Street Stroll in the Courthouse Square.
We have long been familiar with the benefits of home-grown fruits and veggies, as well as home-baked breads and other items. It’s nice to see that everyone else has gotten the idea.
Dale Hogg