| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Angelyn DeYoung |
| August 3, 2006 | (406) 444-2402 |
Get to Know Your Farmer at Your Local Farmers' Market
HELENA, Mont. — August is produce time in Montana gardens and an excellent time to recognize National Farmers Market Week. Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Agriculture Director Nancy K. Peterson urge Montanans to visit their local markets and take advantage of the many benefits to local farmers and consumers.
"The vitality of small- and medium-sized farms across Montana is good for local economies, good for consumers and good for our state's citizens," said Governor Schweitzer. "Many communities also find it rewarding to invest in local markets as a component of economic development and are realizing benefits from the resulting tourism."
The number of farmers markets in Montana has increased to 38 this year, from 16 in 2000, a trend that reflects national numbers reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in declaring August 6-12, 2006 as "National Farmers Market Week."
"Consumers benefit from the fresh, wholesome, superb quality and wide selection of locally grown products. They also have an opportunity to 'know their farmer,' a concept that is regaining favor nationally as consumers seek more information about where their food comes from and how it was produced," Peterson said.
Information on farmers markets, including USDA's National Directory of Farmers Markets, is available online at www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets or by calling 800-384-8704. Information on Montana farmers markets is available at www.agr.mt.gov or by calling 406-444-2402.
