National Farmers Market Week runs through Saturday

Yesterday kicked off the 20th annual National Farmers Market Week. The celebration, which runs through August 10, is the brainchild of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and promoted by nationwide organization The Farmers Market Coalition.

This year's campaign highlights the important role farmers play in the nation's food system, and in fostering entrepreneurship.

"National Farmers Market Week is a chance to celebrate all that farmers markets do for communities," Farmers Market Coalition’s Executive Director Ben Feldman said in a press release. "This year we are focused on the role that farmers markets play in creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, particularly to those who may lack the capitol or connections necessary to start a more traditional business. Farmers market success stories include farms and businesses run by young people, immigrants, and the previously incarcerated. With low barriers to entry and a customer base that prioritizes the product over the packaging, farmers markets are the most democratic form of commerce around."

The campaign provides more than 8,600 farmers markets nationwide with tools, guides and materials to use in event promotion and community education. Members of the news media may also access a toolkit, webinars and other free resources.