Farmers Markets and other direct-to-consumer marketing by Agricultural Producers

A Proclamation by the Secretary of Agriculture: "National Farmers Market Week: August 1 - 7, 2010"

Whereas thousands of American farmers markets offer affordable and healthful products sold directly from the farm in their freshest possible state, increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for children and families, which can help promote child health and reduce childhood obesity; and

Whereas farmers markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems, support family farms, revitalize local communities, provide important outlets for producers and the opportunity for farmers and consumers to interacts; and

Whereas the United States Department of Agriculture strongly supports farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer marketing activities for agricultural producers; and

Whereas farmers markerts offer fresh healthy food via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Program and address hunger through donations of unsold food;

NOW THEREFORE, to further awareness of farmers markets and of the contributions farmers make to daily life in America, I, Thomas Vilsack (Secretary, USDA), do hereby proclaim August 1-7 as National Farmers Markets Week.  I encourage the people of the United States to celebrate the benefits of farmers markets with appropriate observances and activities!