WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) alongside Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced the introduction of a bipartisan, bicameral resolution designating August 4, 2024 through August 10, 2024 as National Farmers Market Week. The bipartisan resolution recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, supporting livelihoods, and enriching the lives of millions of Americans, from farmers and food producers to consumers.

“The Central Valley produces a quarter of our nation’s food with less than 1 percent of our nation’s farmland,” said Representative Valadao. “Farmers Markets provide our local producers with an outlet to sell their goods, a place for families to buy healthy, locally grown produce, and a platform to educate folks about where their food comes from. I’m proud to join my colleagues to celebrate National Farmers Market Week and the many Central Valley livelihoods that are fueled by agriculture.”

“Farmers markets support hundreds of Maine farmers and small businesses, boost our local economies, and are vital in helping people of all incomes access healthy, locally grown food. As a longtime farmer myself, I cherish farmers markets days—whether buying delicious Maine-grown wild blueberries and veggies or catching up with our hardworking agricultural community. I am proud to join Congressman Valadao and Senators Padilla and Ernst in celebrating National Farmers Market Week,” said Representative Pingree.

“I am proud to celebrate National Farmers Market Week and to support our local farmers, who feed our families and bring us together,” said Senator Padilla.  “Our farmers markets nourish our neighborhoods, strengthen our local economies, and grow the relationship between growers and consumers. We cherish these spaces as a vibrant and dependable source of nutrition and community.”

“During this National Farmers Market Week, I’m honored to celebrate the work of Iowa farmers who feed and fuel our communities!” said Senator Ernst. “Our state takes pride in our agriculture, and farmers markets make access to farm-fresh and locally sourced food even easier. When Iowans buy and sell close to home, they support local economies, promote healthy communities, and put hard-earned money back into producers’ pockets.” 

Read the full text of the resolution here. 

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