Farmers' market facts * There are more than 8,700 farmers' markets nationwide. * Nearly one-fifth of farmers' market farmers are younger than 35. The markets allow them to start small businesses, build a customer base and expand. * Farmers receive 15.6 cents for each food dollar consumers spend in a supermarket. At farmers' markets, they receive the whole dollar. * More than 60 percent of farmers' markets are managed by local volunteers. * More than 85 percent of farmers' market vendors travel less than 50 miles to sell at a market. More than half travel less than 10 miles. Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farmers Market Coalition Want to find local foods near you? Every time you shop at a local farmers' market, you help support Virginia agriculture and farmers in your community. To find a market near you, use the locator on the Virginia Farm Bureau website, which accesses the National Farmers Market Directory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture: vafb.com/News-Features/ Farmers-Markets The Virginia Grown website also has a directory to help you find farm-fresh products: virginiagrown.com National Farmers Market Week is Aug. 4-10 National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) is an annual celebration sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to highlight the important role farmers' markets play in the nation's food system. Now in its 20th season, NFMW is always held during the first full week of August, and many markets hold special activities to celebrate. 12 | Cooperative Living | June 2019 co-opliving.comhttp://www.vafb.com/News-Features/ http://www.virginiagrown.com http://www.co-opliving.com