Celebrate National Farmers Market Week this week

The S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week this week (August 6-12, 2023).

For more than fifty years, farmers markets have influenced the way Americans eat, shop, and connect to their food, their farmers, and one another. Farmers markets are more than market places, they are places where neighbors learn, grow, and work together.

South Dakota has over 45 farmers markets that span the state. SDSPA maintains a list, updated annually, with information on locations, operation times, product availability, and more. To find a farmers market near you, visit the SDSPA Farmers Market website (https://sdspecialtyproducers.org/farmers-markets/).

National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets proclaimed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), a membership-based nonprofit organization that supports farmers markets nationwide.

To support the farmers market industry locally, SDSPA organized a chapter, known as the S.D. Farmers Market Coalition. This member group meets virtually each month as an outlet to discuss needs and initiatives. The chapter provides networking opportunities, coordinates educational programming, and receives full access to FMC resources. SDSPA members can join the chapter for an additional $15 fee. 

“Across the country, farmers markets are defining their role in our communities. Markets are designed in partnership with the people they serve and are a place where market operators, farmers, shoppers, and neighbors can collaborate to meet the evolving needs of their community,” said Ben Feldman, Policy Director of the Farmers Market Coalition.

Farmers markets are essential in fostering community connections. Shoppers at the farmers market have 15-20 social interactions compared to the 1 or 2 at the grocery store. In some areas in the state markets can provide access to nutritious food that might not otherwise be readily available. With 45 farmers markets in the state, and multiple vendors at all, a lot of small businesses are supported with your shopping dollars through markets. 

Support your local community and economy by attending a market near you during National Farmers Market Week 2023 and throughout the season!

For additional SDSPA and local foods information and events, visit http://sdspecialtyproducers.org or https://www.facebook.com/sdspa/. Contact SDSPA at 605-681-6793 or SDSPAmarketing@gmail.com with questions.