Governor Huntsman Proclaims Utah
Farmers Market Week August 7 - 13
Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., today proclaimed Aug. 7 – 13 “Utah Farmers Market Week.” Governor Huntsman issued a proclamation today “to call special and deserved attention to the many farmers markets in Utah and their many benefits to local farmers and consumers.”
The number of farmers markets in Utah has grown from seven in 2001 to more than 20 today. The markets generate tens of thousands of dollars in revenue for Utah farmers.
Visit http://ag.utah.gov/marketing/FarmersMarketsList.pdf for a complete list of farmers markets in Utah. Click here to view and print a Farmers Market Passport. Visit any five Utah Farmers Markets and receive a free loaf of bread!
The markets’ growth is prompting state and national advocates of local farming to designate a week each year to take note of their benefits. Nationally there are more than 3,700 farmers markets operating throughout the United States – a record number, up from the initial count in 1994 of 1,755. Sales generated by farmers markets are estimated to exceed $1 billion a year, with most of the money going directly to small family farmers.
“Our farmers markets are a wonderful place for people to purchase fresh, wholesome and delicious foods delivered directly from the fields, “said Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Leonard Blackham. “Shopping at a farmers market lets you get to know who’s growing your food, and it contributes to the vitality of our rural producers,” he added.
Currently the demand by the public for produce available at farmers markets is very high, and there are not enough farmers markets available to meet the demand of consumers.
The UDAF is also announcing the formation of an organization of farmers markets to help promote Utah produce. A map showing the location of farmers markets and how to contact local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) growers is also available at: http://www.utahsown.org or contact Richard Sparks at, (801) 538-4913.
The UDAF supports the My Pyramid program that emphasizes eating the right kinds of foods and the right amount of foods. Visit http://www.mypyramid.gov to learn more.
PROCLAMATION
UTAH FARMERS MARKET WEEK
August 7 -13
WHEREAS farmers markets are important, nationwide outlets for agricultural producers to increase marketing opportunities;
WHEREAS over 20 farmers markets across Utah offer consumers farm-fresh, affordable, convenient, and healthy products such as: fruits, vegetables, cheeses, herbs, baked goods, meat and much more;
WHEREAS farmers markets serve as integral links between urban, suburban, and rural communities, affording farmers and their consumers opportunity to interact;
WHEREAS the popularity of farmers markets continues to rise, as more and more consumers discover the joys of shopping for unique ingredients sold direct from the farm, and pleasure of buying familiar products in their freshest possible state;
WHEREAS farmers markets support local anti-hunger initiatives, through which farmers donate unsold food products to programs to feed the needy;
WHEREAS the State of Utah and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food strongly supports and promotes the development and operation of farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer marketing activities for agriculture producers;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Jon Huntsman Jr. Governor for the State of Utah, do hereby proclaim the week of August 7-13, State Farmers Market Week, to further the expansion and awareness of farmers markets and the contributions farmers make to daily life in America. I encourage all people of Utah to celebrate the benefits of farmers markets and the bountiful production if our State’s farmers who, while providing for our needs, are among the best stewards of our land.
Jon Huntsman, Jr., Governor,
State of Utah
Posted August 4, 2005
