Farmers Market (© Photographer: Eyal Nahmias | Agency: Dreamstime.com)

“Almost thirty thousand people from across the country voted for their favorite farmers markets this summer,” said Jane Kirchner, Senior Director of Marketing for American Farmland Trust. “And in the last three weeks of the promotion, we’ve seen the top 20 markets in each category change positions, sometimes daily.”

AFT designed the online contest to promote the economic and social value of farmers markets in communities, and to bring attention to the need for consumers and communities to recognize the necessity of local farm and ranchland to the existence of local food.

“Customers can visit our website and learn the top 20 markets in each of three market categories,” says Kirchner. The top three markets for each category are:

1. Small Markets (1-30 vendors) Collingswood Farmers Market, Collingswood, NJ 1,030 Votes

2. Medium Markets (31-55 vendors) Willamsburg Farmers Market, Williamsburg, VA 725 Votes

3. Large Markets (56 or more vendors) Davis Farmers Market, Davis, CA 3,060 Votes

The top three markets will each receive a shipment of “No Farms No Food®” recyclable tote bags to give away to the customers who made their top finish possible. “It’s been great fun to watch this promotion unfold,” says Kirchner. “We hope that all of the markets have seen increased interest in and visitors to their markets as a result of the promotion, and that they will participate in next year’s contest.” AFT will announce further information on the winners and ongoing efforts to support and promote farmers markets through its website and other media.

To learn more about the fine efforts of AFT and action you can take to help visit the organization's web site at: American Farmland Trust

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