WHEREAS, there are more than 260 farmers’ markets in Virginia that provide the public with a convenient, locally produced, competitively priced source for high-quality fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, herbs, flowers, cheeses, baked goods, meats, homemade preserves, and more; and

WHEREAS, farmers’ markets provide a direct economic impact to farmers and affiliated businesses while strengthening local economies, fostering civic engagement, and helping preserve farmland through economic viability; and

WHEREAS, farmers’ markets provide infrastructure to assist in the distribution of farm and value-added products and offer an outlet for small-to-medium-scale, beginning, veteran, and other agricultural producers to market products directly to the public; and

WHEREAS, farmers’ markets increase access to a healthy food environment with the abundance of locally grown produce that helps support the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly in food deserts across Virginia; and

WHEREAS, over 130 farmers’ markets in Virginia accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, allowing shoppers to purchase fresh foods, and through the Virginia Fresh Match program, double the value of SNAP purchases; and

WHEREAS, farmers’ markets offer an excellent agritourism experience that provides vendors an opportunity to educate the public about local agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and the conservation of land, water, and other natural resources;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize August 3-9, 2025, as FARMERS’ MARKET WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.