Celebrate National Farmers Market Week
Every first full week of August, communities across the country gather at their local farmers markets to celebrate the season's peak harvest — and the people who make it possible. From sun-ripened tomatoes to fragrant herbs, this is the week to reconnect with the source of your food.
Farmers markets are among the most community-rooted enterprises in America. More than 85% of vendors travel fewer than 50 miles to sell, and over half travel fewer than 10 miles. These aren't just transactions — they're relationships built season after season between growers, neighbors, and the land.
The USDA has recognized this since 1999, when it proclaimed the first National Farmers Market Week, honoring local producers who "serve as significant outlets by which small-to-medium, new and beginning, and veteran agricultural producers market agricultural products, and generate revenue that supports the sustainability of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities nationwide."
Why Shop at a Farmers Market?
- Taste produce at its peak — picked ripe, not for shelf life
- Celebrate the season with a traditional, wholesome bounty
- Support your local economy and the families behind it
- Choose real food over processed alternatives
- Connect with growers for recipes, cooking tips, and meal inspiration
Get Involved
With nearly 10,000 farmers markets across the United States — including one set up annually in the parking lot of the USDA in Washington, D.C. — there's likely one near you. Visit a few; each has its own character and charm. Find your local market and show your support.
