Conner Opens USDA Farmers Market June 1

Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner will open the 12th season of the USDA Farmers Market, this Friday June 1 at 10 a.m., outside USDA Headquarters at 12th and Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC. The opening ceremonies feature a cooking demonstration, live entertainment, raffle prizes and an information booth about nutrition and many USDA ideas for around the home and the family table.

“Farmers markets benefit both producers and consumers alike, continuing to grow in popularity from the enjoyment of eating fresh, local products directly from the farm,” Conner said.

Each Friday through October 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the USDA Farmers Market features fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, maple products, fresh-cut flowers from local farms in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.

There are 4,400 farmers markets nationwide, more than three times as many as the 1,755 estimated in 1994. Estimated sales volume nationwide is $1 billion in 2005 - up from $888 million in 2000. The Agricultural Marketing Service provides a National Directory of Farmers Markets, http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm.