LITTLE ROCK, AR – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has proclaimed June 9-15 as Arkansas Farmers Market Week to highlight the important benefits that farmers markets provide to Arkansas’s agricultural producers, consumers, and communities. View the proclamation at agriculture.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024-Farmers-Market-Week.pdf.
“Farmers markets play an important role in connecting producers to consumers while developing local food systems and supporting the economy of our rural communities,†said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We are proud to have more than 111 farmers markets in Arkansas, and we appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the value they provide to Arkansas agriculture during this farmers market season.â€
On June 6, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) joined industry partners at an event dedicated to celebrating Arkansas farmers markets. Secretary Ward was joined by Jeremy Adams, Double Up Food Bucks Program Manager for the Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention (ArCOP)/Arkansas Farmers Market Association; Sally Anderson from Dunbar Garden; and other farmers market managers, partners, leaders, stakeholders, and community members at Dunbar Garden in Little Rock. Photos from the event can be found at flic.kr/s/aHBqjBtSjs.
Farmer direct-to-consumer sales are used by over 1,400 Arkansas farmers and are valued at more than $8.5 million. Consumers can find a farmers market near them through the Department’s Arkansas Grown program at arkansasgrown.org/.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture, forestry, and natural resources conservation to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while sustaining natural resources and ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. Visit agriculture.arkansas.gov/. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
