<img class="size-medium wp-image-52715 alignleft" src="https://theenterprise.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2021/05/farmer_market_1621339418-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" />The Stuart Farmers' Market is encouraging supporters to participate in America’s <a href="https://markets.farmland.org/">13th annual Farmers’ Market Celebration</a>, which runs through Sept. 19. Shoppers are encouraged to visit the local market Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon, and then visit markets.farmland.org, where they can endorse the market, which puts it in the running for national recognition and cash prizes. American Farmland Trust, a national nonprofit dedicated to saving farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land, has operated the celebration for 13 consecutive years, elevating the increasingly essential role farmers markets play in providing communities with access to fresh, locally grown food and connecting farmers directly with their customers. In 2021, the Farmers Market Coalition joined the celebration as a new partner and co-sponsor of the event. “In many regions, especially during these unprecedented times, farmers markets have been vital to keeping existing farms in business and enabling new farms to get started,” said John Piotti, American Farmland Trust president and CEO. “Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, farmers markets have served as essential businesses, helping to connect farmers to customers, and customers to local, healthy food.” To recognize the vital role farmers markets are playing this year, AFT will, in addition to recognizing top markets by region, offer cash prizes for the markets that finish in the top three of the "People's Choice" category, with awards of $2,500 for first, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third. These funds will be awarded to markets for marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact. “Our market not only provides an outlet for fresh, locally grown food, but also serves as a community hub and gathering place,” Rebecca Adcock, market promoter, said of the local market. To learn more and participate, visit <a href="http://markets.farmland.org/">markets.farmland.org</a>.
