SC Commissioner Weathers: National Farmers Market Week

August 1^st through the 7^th is National Farmers Market Week. SC Ag Commissioner Hugh Weathers is here to tell us more about how South Carolina’s Farmers Markets are being recognized.

• This is 22^nd year of this annual celebration that aims to highlight the vital role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system.
• The National Farmers Market Coalition hopes this celebration will also focus on the resilience of farmers markets and how market operators continued to support their communities throughout the pandemic.  
• During the pandemic all 3 state farmers markets remained open due to their outdoor and open nature. They continued to support their communities in this way.
• Farmers Markets also offer a unique face-to-face experience where consumers can meet the hard-working people behind the delicious produce they love. It doesn’t hurt that prices for produce are generally lower than prices in grocery stores or supermarkets.
• Along with a personal connection and generally cheaper prices, by supporting local farmers through these local markets more of your hard-earned money goes to the farmers.
• Spending money at farmers markets keeps your money in circulation within the local community, preserving and creating local jobs.
• The South Carolina Department of Agriculture will be sharing content through our Facebook and Twitter pages encouraging people to visit and support their local farmers market.
• You can visit the SCDA’s website and search Community-Based Farmers Market to find a local market near you.