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American Farmland Trust kicks off the 17th annual America’s Farmer’s Market Celebration today — a celebration of the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the United States as voted on by the public.
Since 2008, the event has highlighted the critical role farmers markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the farmers, staff, and volunteers that make them possible. While they have long served as pillars of local food in urban centers and town squares, in recent years, farmers markets have gained the national recognition they deserve as essential businesses that power farmers and communities to thrive.
“Farmers markets represent the backbone of local food systems, providing essential income streams for thousands of farm families across the country,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “Through America’s Farmers Market Celebration, we’re not just recognizing great markets – we’re celebrating the farmers, vendors, and communities who prove every day that investing in local agriculture creates lasting economic and social benefits.”
The event runs until September 30 on markets.farmland.org and helps farmers markets across the country earn national recognition and local prestige. Markets can join the celebration and encourage their customers to vote, an excellent marketing tool and a pathway to winning a piece of the $15,000 prize pool.
AFT will award 10 markets nationwide winners this year, and the breakdown of prize money is as follows: $2,500 for first, $2,000 for second, $1,500 for third, $1,250 for fourth, $1,000 for fifth-eighth, and $875 for ninth-tenth. The first place for “regional choice” and “state” winners for each region will receive a gift bag of merchandise and digital award package. AFT will also award a new “participation recognition” award, a digital participation badge that will be given to all eligible markets with at least 25 verified votes.
The top markets also receive national and local press coverage, complimentary American Farmland Trust membership, No Farms No Food gear, and other merchandise!
The America’s Farmer’s Market Celebration also identifies the top markets in each state and in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Pacific regions.
“We were truly honored to be named a winner of the 2024 America’s Farmers Market Celebration,” said Erica Meadows, Mount Washington Farmers Market Manager. “The recognition brought a renewed sense of pride and energy to our market and our entire community. It validated the hard work of our team, vendors, volunteers, and local supporters who show up week after week to make Mount Washington Farmers Market a place where community thrives. The award helped raise awareness of our mission to support local farmers and small businesses, and it brought in new visitors who continue to return. It’s been a meaningful milestone that reminded us how powerful grassroots support can be.”
The America’s Farmer’s Market Celebration database and interactive map on markets.farmland.org contains more than 6,000 listings and now syncs with the USDA Farmers Market Directory. Markets must be listed in the USDA National Farmers Market Directory and can register here.
