This week, Aug. 3-9, marks the 26^th National Farmers Week celebrating the work of farmers and market venues that support local economies and healthy communities. Farmers Markets across the state offer consumers access to fresh, local fruits, vegetables, meats and food products.   

• This is a very special week, Mike.
• Aug. 3-9 is recognized as National Farmers Market Week and you know we will be celebrating in North Carolina!
•  The growing season is at its peak and markets across the state are filled with plenty of local fruits, vegetables, meats, foods, plants and flowers.
• Local farmers markets stimulate local economies and support health communities by providing a space for farmers and consumers to come together.
• That gives consumers access to the freshest products available and farmers a market for their products, so it’s a win-win all around.
• The department operates four regional farmers markets across the state. They are:
  • The State Farmers Market in Raleigh,
  • the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax near Greensboro,
  • the Charlotte Farmers Market in Charlotte
  • and the Western N.C. Farmers Market in Asheville.
• But across the state, there are around 200 independent community farmers markets that offer up locally grown goodness each week.
• You can taste the difference with local products and I think it is great knowing you are supporting North Carolina farmers who are also your neighbors.
• Having access to local foods is important as we saw during the pandemic. By supporting North Carolina farmers, you help ensure we continue to have access to local products.
• All food begins on a farm, so unless you are growing your own food, we all need our farmers to feed us.
• We are blessed in North Carolina that our farmers can grow just about anything. That means you will likely find what you are looking for at a farmers market.
• At the State Farmers Market for example, you will find a great variety of peppers – from mild green peppers to extra spicy Scotch bonnet peppers to meet the culinary needs of a diverse local population and restaurants.
• One vendor alone grows around 50 different varieties of peppers that they offer throughout the year. 
• Every farmers market that I have been to is different – in part because as the farmers get to know their customers more, they try to add items they know their customers are interested.
• And those relationships are one of the great benefits of a farmers market.
• If you have never been to a farmers market, why not make this the week to head out to a local farmers market to shop.