8/3/2011
Communities throughout West Virginia are celebrating farmers, locally-grown foods and feeding local families at farmers’ markets. United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has proclaimed August 7-13, 2011, as National Farmers’ Market Week. West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass will kick off the West Virginia celebration with a corn roast on the north side of the State Capitol Complex August 3, 2011, at 11 a.m. and will coincide with the popular “Capitol Market Goes to the Capitol.”
The corn roast is free and open to the public, as long as supplies last. Patrons of the marketplace are encouraged to enjoy a fresh roasted ear of corn compliments of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. Educational materials about local markets, pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms and sweet corn cooking tips will be available.
Since 2000, the number of farmers’ markets has grown 150 percent, from 2,863 markets to 7,175 in 2011. West Virginia boasts more than 50 markets statewide that participate in programs such as Senior Farmers’ Market Coupon Program (SFMCP) and Women’s, Infants and Children voucher programs (WIC).
“Farmers, as stewards of rural West Virginia, come together weekly at markets located in communities throughout the state to provide food for local families,” said Commissioner Douglass. “These markets are contributing to the economy while increasing access to fresh, nutritious food.”
Commissioner Douglass encourages citizens of the state to continue supporting their local markets and the farmers who work hard to provide a large variety of fruits and vegetables. “Farmers’ markets give the consumer an opportunity to know local farmers and Farmers’ Market Week is a great time to meet these dedicated agriculture professionals.”
Contact Information
Buddy Davidson, Communications Officer
304-558-3708; 304-541-5932 (cell)
bdavidson@ag.state.wv.us