Oregon’s farmers markets mark National Farmers Market Week – KTVZ

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Oregon Farmers Markets Affiliation joins markets throughout the nation in celebrating Nationwide Farmers Market Week from August 7-13.

Farmers markets throughout Oregon will likely be holding particular occasions together with raffles, radio broadcasts, video games and extra to mark the event. Now we have over 130 markets statewide, which makes it simpler than ever to hitch native meals associates for this celebration. 

Nationwide Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition. OFMA coordinates an Oregon Farmers Market Week in partnership with the FMC to rejoice the nourishing, seasonal bounty distinctive to this a part of the nation.

This yr, each the nationwide and state campaigns spotlight  the important function that farmers market operators play in our native meals programs; by curating a market for contemporary, reasonably priced, and nourishing meals. Additional, farmers markets are vital for  growing resilience in our communities, as hubs for small enterprise, native agriculture, and connection in these instances.  

This yr is OFMA’s thirty fifth anniversary. We’re celebrating the appreciable progress within the variety of farmers markets in Oregon since our founding, over tenfold from 12 in 1987 to 136 markets right now!

OFMA supplies important help and sources for people seeking to begin, preserve and develop farmers markets. Farmers markets all through the state have seen nice success on account of OFMA’s partnership. Final yr, Oregon farmers markets have been visited over 3.4 million instances, hosted 6,900+ small companies distributors, and generated over $61 million in gross sales. Research have proven that the cash spent at  farmers markets stays native and fuels group economies. Farmers markets foster direct relationships between group members and farmers, which builds a stronger connection to our meals. This connection additionally strengthens the fairness and sustainability of our meals system, which is more and more important for resilience in a worldwide economic system.  

Be part of us in celebrating Farmers Market Week by heading out to a neighborhood market August 7-13. Think about attempting a market you’ve by no means visited earlier than, or touring to 1 as a neighborhood meals journey. OFMA presents an internet map instrument to discover a market close to you:  https://www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org/in-person-markets.  

“Farmers markets are essential elements of a thriving meals provide chain and we love to supply help and sources that assist farmers markets and distributors flourish.” says Ashley Hess, Government Director of OFMA. “Oregon has a tremendous array of farmers markets that carry collectively a various community of oldsters seeking to make a constructive influence on their native communities. By buying at a farmers market, you may perform a small act of rebel to collectively redistribute energy and monetary belongings to small, native companies.”   

Oregon Farmers Market Affiliation is a 501c3 non-profit group with a mission to help native agriculture and wholesome communities by strengthening and selling Oregon’s farmers markets. Be taught extra and discover a market close to you at www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org.