FRANKFORT (July 30, 2021) – Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles is encouraging Kentuckians to rejoice Kentucky Farmers’ Markets Week by getting out and supporting Kentucky farm households who convey current merchandise to The general public every week.

“2020 was a wrestle For shut toly everyone,” Commissioner Quarles said. “Regardless of the hardships of the pandemic and its financial end outcomes, our farmers stored producing and conveying regionally-grown produce, meat, eggs, dairy merchandise, and extra to Kentucky’s farmers’ markets. We advocated early on for farmers’ markets to be dealt with important, Similar to grocery shops. This yr, as we come out from beneath the COVID-19 pandemic, we rejoice The fact that our farmers and producers by no means gave in and by no means gave up. Buying for your meals from a Kentucky Proud farmers’ market not solely helps your native farmers, however provides them the a lot needed thanks and reward for a job properly carried out.”

This yr’s Farmers’ Markets Week is August 1-7 and salutes the 173 farmers’ markets in 115 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. In these 173 markets, Greater than 2,900 distributors are offering merchandise On the market.

With reported gross sales of shut toly $13.5 million final yr, farmers’ markets are an financial engine that rejoices the state’s agricultural roots and conveys the farm to Kentucky’s consumers. This yr’s Farmers’ Markets Week takes on particular which means As a Outcome of the state rejoices a return to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even by way of the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers’ markets remained An important useful resource, offering current and nutritious meals direct from Kentucky’s farms,” Commissioner Quarles said. “This disaster put a magnifying glass on The causes We’d like our agriculture producers. Guarantee to cease by An space farmers’ market to say thanks all by way of farmers’ markets week.”

The Kentucky Division of Agriculture and Group Farm Alliance (CFA) Might have a collection of occasions throughout the state to rejoice Kentucky Farmers’ Markets Week and the Kentucky Double Dollars program.

Kentucky Double Dollars permits low-income Kentuckians on federal SNAP, WIC, and senior vitamin advantages to double up their buying power at 43 collaborating farmers’ markets Inside the commonwealth. This program is a collective effort of the CFA, Bluegrass Farm to Desk, the Kentucky Division of Agriculture, the Kentucky Agricultural Enchancment Fund, Passport Well being Plans, and WellCare Well being Plans.

To discover a farmers’ market shut to you, go to kyproud.com/farmers-markets/.

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