Massachusetts Farmers Market Week August 18-24, 2013 Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed August 18-24, 2013 Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week. Calling farmers’ markets “essential to the vitality of Massachusetts farms” Governor Patrick says “it is befitting for the citizens of Massachusetts to recognize the continued contribution of farmers’ markets to local consumers, as well as their positive impact on the economy of the Commonwealth.“ This summer, 250 farmers’ markets are operating across the state. The week will officially kick off on Monday, August 19 at the City Hall Plaza Farmers’ Market in Boston when DAR Commissioner Gregory C. Watson will read the proclamation at the 29th Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association and Mass Farmers Markets, tomatoes from farmers across the state will be judged by a panel of experts on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape. Always a lively and fun event, the day is designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce. Tomato judging begins at 10:30 a.m. with the announcement of winners at 12:30 p.m. Information on healthy eating and local foods will be available from MDAR, Mass Farmers Markets, Boston Public Market Association, Mass Farm to School Project, Massachusetts WIC Program, USDA and UMass Extension. Farmers’ markets “create a festive open air setting which enhances community spirit and civic pride by offering a natural place for community gathering,” according to the proclamation, which also says markets, “help heighten public awareness of the agricultural diversity of Massachusetts and the benefits of buying local and preserving open space.” The full proclamation can be found here. DAR compiles an annual list of Massachusetts farmers’ markets, listing days, locations, times, and opening and closing dates for each market. An interactive map of farmers’ markets statewide is available at mass.gov/agr/massgrown/farmers_markets.htm.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:02:36 +0000
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