Arkansas Farmers Market Week celebrates agri industry

LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed this week Arkansas Farmers Market Week to highlight the important benefits that farmers markets provide to Arkansas’ agricultural producers, consumers and communities, a news release said.

Farmers market managers, partners, leaders and stakeholders, including Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market President Meredith Finn, will gather at the state Capitol today for an official presentation of the proclamation by Hutchinson.

“More than 100 Arkansas farmers markets are important outlets for agricultural producers, connecting them to consumers who are increasingly more interested in investing in locally sourced products,” said Hutchinson, who has just wrapped up a second annual Agriculture Tour with agriculture operations and communities across southwest counties.

“We proudly join in a week of celebrating the role agriculture and farmers markets play in strengthening our communities, and in keeping our residents healthy.”

Farmers markets across the state play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support the sustainability of Arkansas farms and help revitalize rural communities, the release said. More than 66 percent of Arkansas counties are home to farmers markets.

“Farmers markets allow customers to learn where their food is coming from and about the farmers who are growing it,” Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward said. “Family farming is a rich, historic tradition in Arkansas, and we appreciate the many benefits that farmers markets provide to Arkansas producers, consumers and the economy of our rural communities.”

The Arkansas Farmers Market Week proclamation states in part:

• The increased consumption of fresh, affordable products including vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses, eggs, jams and jellies, and other farm products found at farmers markets improves the health and well-being of Arkansans.

• Access to healthy foods is a priority of the Healthy Active Arkansas Initiative to reduce obesity rates in the state of Arkansas.

• Direct-to-consumer sales in Arkansas from farmers markets and other direct marketing channels used by farmers are valued at more than $6.3 million.