Gov. proclaims Farmers Market Week

By submitted, 08/8/20 1:15 PM

LITTLE ROCK — Governor Hutchinson has proclaimed the week of August 2-8, 2020 as Arkansas Farmers Market Week.  The Arkansas Department of Agriculture (Department) joins the state and organizations across the country in celebrating this week. Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, was joined by Jeremy Adams, Arkansas Farmers Market Association; Rick Jensen, Rick’s Farm Stand and Arkansas Grown member; Ron Rainey, Arkansas MarketMaker; Cynthia Edwards, Arkansas Deputy Secretary of Agriculture; Karen Reynolds, Arkansas Agriculture Program Manager; and others at Rick’s Farm Stand in Maumelle on Tuesday, August 4, to present the proclamation signed by Governor Hutchinson. Find the full proclamation here<https://governor.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/proclamations/Farmers_Market_Week_in_Arkansas.pdf>.
Pictures from the event can be found here<https://www.flickr.com/photos/arkansasag/albums/72157715364550623>.
Arkansas is home to over 100 farmers markets around the state that serve as vital links for Arkansas producers and consumers.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers markets have been innovating to continue operations for the farmers and communities that depend on them. Market managers have been at the forefront of rapidly adapting solutions to protect staff, customers, and the community.
“Arkansas farmers markets have excelled in continuing to support our farmers and providing a place for Arkansans to shop for fresh, locally grown and made products,” said Secretary Wes Ward. “Their innovation, passion, and dedication have been an important factor in the increased interest in buying local and supporting our local farmers.”
Arkansas farmers markets are also important resources for many of the 900 members of the Arkansas Grown, Arkansas Made, and Homegrown by Heroes branding programs.  These programs, administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, help promote the many agricultural products grown in Arkansas and provide critical connections between producers and consumers.