Photo: Rusty Halvorson/KFGO Ag News
Minnesotans are invited to celebrate the bounty of the harvest season during National Farmers Market Week Aug. 2-8. Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed the week Farmers’ Market Week in Minnesota, joining the nationwide celebration of farmers’ markets and the farmers, vendors, and communities that make them possible. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with Minnesota Grown, Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association, Minnesota Farmers Union, and Land Stewardship Project to recognize the week with events at nine farmers’ markets across the state.
- Simply Fresh Farmers’ Market – 804 Main St., Baudette, Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Hibbing Farmers’ Market – 1309 E 40th, Hibbing, Tuesdays 2–5 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- The Kinfolk Market – 314 E Main St., Ada, Fridays 4–7 p.m.
- Alexandria Farmers’ Market – 200 Broadway St., Alexandria, Tuesdays 9 a.m. –noon, Thursdays 3-6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–noon
- Sauk Rapids Farmers’ Market – 110 1st S, Sauk Rapids, Thursdays 3–6 p.m.
- New Ulm Farmers’ Market – 1315 S Broadway St., New Ulm, Thursdays 2:30–5:30 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–noon
- Saint Paul Farmers’ Market – 290 5th E, St. Paul, Saturdays 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sundays 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Riverwalk Market Fair – 12 Bridge Square, Northfield, Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Rochester Farmers’ Market – 35 Fairgrounds Ave. SE, Rochester, Saturdays 7:30 a.m. – noon
“Minnesota is home to an incredible network of farmers’ markets, so chances are there’s one near you wherever you are in the state,” said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Farmers’ markets are an important source of income for Minnesota farmers and food businesses while helping connect communities with fresh, safe, locally grown food. We’re grateful to the market managers, vendors, and volunteers who make them possible.”
With more than 400 farmers’ markets and 10,000-plus market vendors across Minnesota and Tribal Nations, the MFMA notes that these markets strengthen local economies, support small and emerging farmers, and connect communities with fresh, locally grown food.
Many markets also participate in access programs that help make nutritious food more affordable. In addition to healthy options, Minnesota’s farmers’ markets offer culturally relevant foods that reflect the diverse communities they serve, making these spaces a source of nourishment, culture, and connection.
“Farmers markets are a great way to celebrate the bounty of Minnesota and are a win-win for economies across the state.,” said MFU President Gary Wertish. “These community gathering places are an important market for farmers who produce a variety of products, from fruits, vegetables and baked goods to eggs, cheeses and other livestock proteins. They provide consumers with access to fresh, local and nutritious food and the opportunity to build relationships with farmers. And studies have shown that spending money locally, like at farmers markets, generates an additional $2 to $6 of additional economic activity for every dollar spent.”
Minnesotans are encouraged to use Farmers’ Market Week as a jumping-off point to build a habit of shopping local and supporting farmers’ markets all year long. Find a market near you using MFMA’s interactive map at mfma.org or search for Minnesota Grown member markets, farmers, and makers at minnesotagrown.com.
MDA news release
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