PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
August 8, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) is celebrating "National Farmers' Market Week" in Nebraska from August 6 through August 12.

The number of farmers' markets in the United States and Nebraska has grown dramatically in recent years, prompting local, regional, and national advocates of local farming to designate a week each year to take note of their benefits. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports over 3,800 farmers' markets currently operate throughout the nation a record number. Sales generated by farmers' markets have been estimated to exceed $1 billion a year, with most of the money going directly to small family farmers.

Nebraska has seen an increase in the number of farmers' markets from 41 in the year 2000 to over 70 markets in 2006.

"Nebraska has well over 600 fresh produce growers in the state, including farmers' markets, U-pik operations, roadside stands, retail-from-farm operations and Community Supported Agricultures," said Casey Foster with the Ag Promotion and Development Division. "The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is participating in and visiting several Nebraska farmers' markets this week in celebration of the contributions local farmers' markets make to the state."

Those interested in learning more about Nebraska's farmers' markets, U-pik operations, roadside stands, retail-from-farm operations and Community Supported Agricultures are encouraged to check out the Your Guide to Nebraska Fresh Produce, which is made available through NDA. The guides are available free of charge and can be obtained by calling 800-422-6692 or visiting www.agr.ne.gov.

Media members: if you are interested in contact information for local farmers' markets, please contact Casey Foster at (402) 471-4876.