Promoting a growing sector of the state’s agriculture economy, Governor Sam Brownback proclaimed August as Farmers’ Market Month in Kansas and the week of August 5-10, as Farmers’ Market Week.

Farmers’ markets provide consumers with access to fresh, local foods and connect them with the farmers who produce their food. Farmers’ markets keep money in local Kansas communities and provide additional marketing opportunities for small businesses.

Governor Brownback and the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) recognize the importance of partnering with farmers’ markets and helping them succeed as evidenced by enacting the Farmers’ Markets Promotion Act, SB 120, in 2013. SB 120 establishes a central registration of markets and limits the legal liability of registered farmers’ markets. Registered farmers’ markets will have access to marketing, outreach and advocacy efforts through From the Land of Kansas, the state’s agricultural trademark program, and the ability to receive benefits from federal grant dollars awarded to KDA on behalf of Kansas farmers’ markets.

“Farmers’ markets play an important role in agricultural advocacy and rural economic growth,” said Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman. “From 1987 to 2012, the number of farmers’ markets in Kansas increased from 26 to 118. As we see this segment of agriculture continues to grow in the future, the Farmers’ Market Promotion Act will enable KDA to partner with the markets and help them be more successful.”

To locate local farmers’ markets, visit http://www.ksfarmersmarkets.org. For more information on how to register a farmers’ market and receive benefits for the market please visit www.fromthelandofkansas.com.