WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proclaimed the first National Farmers Market Week in 1999 to raise awareness of local efforts nationwide for producers to sell directly to customers; and
WHEREAS, a farmers market is an organized assembly of food producers or their representatives who gather to provide local and regional wares directly to the consumer. The USDA estimates that farmers markets have quadrupled over the last 30 years; and
WHEREAS Alaskan farmers, anglers, and ranchers provide access to healthy, regionally-produced foods through farmers markets, which are evolving to accommodate the demand for a diverse array of farm-to-table products and increasing the stability of food security throughout Alaska; and
WHEREAS, farmers markets and other agricultural direct marketing outlets provide infrastructure to assist in the distribution of farm and value-added products, thereby contributing significantly to the Alaskan economy in direct-to-consumer sales; and
WHEREAS, farmers markets serve as significant outlets by which small to medium, new and beginning, and veteran agricultural producers market products that generate revenue supporting the sustainability of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska recognizes the importance of expanding agricultural marketing opportunities that assist and encourage the next generation of farmers, anglers, and ranchers; to generate income that stimulates business development and job creation; building community connections through rural and urban links; and
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim August 6 – 12, 2023 as:
Farmers Market Week
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the economic contributions of Alaska’s farmers, producers, growers, and small businesses to the local communities, and to enjoy the abundance of quality Alaska grown food sources by seeking out farmers markets.
Dated: August 6, 2023
