Make sure to patronize local farmers’ markets this week, during the 2018 Virginia Farmers’ Market week.

Locally, those markets include the Stuart Farmers’ Market on Friday, Aug. 10 and the Rise and Shine Youth Market on Saturday, Aug. 11.

Local markets have other regular events planned throughout the month, including the Farmers’ Market and Music held on Mondays in Fairy Stone State Park.

The week-long celebration is designed to commemorate the dual significance of farmers’ markets by celebrating their ability to connect producers and consumers directly while serving as an economic engine for Virginia, according to a release from Gov. Ralph Northam.

“Farmers’ markets are an integral component of Virginia agriculture, the Commonwealth’s number one private industry,” Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring said.

For more information and the locations of farmers’ markets in Patrick County, check the Community Calendar listings in The Enterprise and the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce Calendar of Events page at www.patrickchamber.com/. For markets throughout Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services market listing at http://vagrown.va-vdacs.com/.