American Farmland Trust's 10th Annual Farmers Market Celebration

Washington, D.C., July 2, 2018 – Today, American Farmland Trust announces the launch of its tenth annual Farmers Market Celebration, set to run through September 21. The Celebration is a national effort to promote the importance of family farmers and farmers’ markets, while also raising awareness about the loss of America's farmland.

There is no better way to nourish ourselves and celebrate the people that nourish our communities than by supporting your local farmers market. That’s why for our tenth summer, AFT’s Farmers Market Celebration encourages market shoppers, family farmers, community activists, and anyone who believes in the power of local food to endorse their favorite market in four categories: 

• Focus on Farmers

• Healthy Food for All

• Pillar of the Community

• Champion for the Environment

At the end of the Celebration, AFT will present awards to the top markets in each of the four categories above. AFT will also recognize a "People's Choice" winner and the top three most recommended markets in each state. 

All summer long, farmers and shoppers are encouraged to use the hashtag #OnMyFork to show off the best of what their market has to offer and to highlight the importance of our food choices in supporting family farmers. We want to showcase the markets that make your community proud, so join the conversation and share your story with AFT on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Local food and local food producers are the foundation of local economies and communities. Farmers and consumers both benefit.  Studies show that producers that participate in farmers markets have a 10% greater chance of staying in business, and people who shop at the local markets save 25% a year in food costs. 

To endorse your favorite farmers market, visit markets.farmland.org. The Celebration began June 21, 2018 at noon EST and closes on September 21, 2018 at midnight EST. 

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American Farmland Trust is the only national conservation organization dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land. AFT’s innovative work led to a national a movement to save the land that sustains us. No Farms, No Food.  Since 1980, American Farmland Trust has helped to permanently protect more than six and one half million acres of farmland and ranchland and led the way for the adoption of conservation practices on millions more. Learn more at www.farmland.org.