Virginia Farmers Market Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, there are 249 farmers markets in Virginia that provide the public with a convenient, fresh, competitively priced source for high quality fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, herbs, flowers, organic items, cheeses, baked goods, meats, homemade preserves and more; and

WHEREAS, the economic impacts of farmers markets include direct benefits to farmers and affiliated businesses, while also helping to stimulate the local economy by keeping dollars in the local community, enhancing civic engagement, and preserving farmland through economic viability; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets offer a way for new farmers to enter the marketplace by selling directly to the public; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets increase access to a healthy food environment with the abundance of locally grown produce that helps support fresh fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly in food deserts across Virginia; and

WHEREAS, over 100 farmers markets in Virginia accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits which allows shoppers to purchase fresh, Virginia-grown products, and the Virginia Fresh Match program which doubles the value of SNAP purchases; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets offer an excellent agritourism experience as vendors are provided an opportunity to educate the public on agriculture, farming practices, and environmental stewardship to include the conservation of land, water, and other natural resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn A. Youngkin, do hereby recognize August 6–12, 2023, as FARMERS MARKET WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations