Governor's Office Proclaims Oregon Farmers' Market Week

Governor Ted Kulongoski has declared August 2nd through 9th to be Oregon Farmers' Market Week.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - There are currently over a 100 farmers' markets operating in Oregon with 90 of these markets as members of the Oregon Farmers' Markets Association (OFMA).

The number of markets in Oregon has more than doubled over the past 10 years through the support and resources of OFMA. Oregon farmers' markets provide more than 1,000 Oregon small family-owned farms with a substantive income and provide fresh produce to more than 100,000 customers each week during the market season. In addition, farmers' markets support low-income customers through the WIC and Senior Farm Direct Coupons and provide a venue for customers to learn about healthy, local and fresh foods.

Over half of Oregon's farmers' markets are now participating in the Oregon Trail Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) program, including several new markets in 2009 with the aid of the Health Hunger Nutrition Initiative from the Governor's Office and the Department of Human Services. The Oregon Farmers' Market Association's (OFMA) mission is to sustain and promote Oregon farmers' markets while building community support and economic stability for Oregon's family farms, small food producers, processors and artisans. Anyone interested in helping to strengthen OFMA's mission through donations, volunteer support, or board participation can visit www.oregonfarmersmarkets.org for more information.