“Farmers’ markets are a great way to support a locally based food system,” said Jane Kirchner, Senior Director of Marketing. “AFT’s farmland protection and local food systems work is critical to preserving our access to locally grown food. What better place than at a farmers’ market to promote the importance of farms to people who enjoy the benefits of local food? I’m excited to get people literally carrying the message that without farms and farmland, we have no food.”

Farmers markets help play a key role in helping keep farmers on the land. America is losing two acres of farmland per minute, often times because farmers find it more profitable to sell their land for development. Providing venues like farmers markets where farmers can sell their much sought after products, is one of the best ways to save the land that sustains us.

Kirchner and Stranahan also note the popularity of farmers markets like the one in Perrysburg. “Farmers markets are a place where the community gathers, and as they make their purchases they are connecting with the farmer—learning more about the person who grew their food, how they grew it and more. More people want those kind of connection points in the food system,” says Kirchner.

In 2007, direct sales from farms to consumers totaled $1.2 billion, an increase of
49 percent from 2002. Much of that increase comes from America’s growing number of farmers markets – 4,685 in 2008, compared to 3,137 in 2002. In addition to supplying seasonal fresh fruits, vegetables and agricultural products, farmers markets help support public health and can drive economic development in communities.

The Perrysburg Farmers’ Market offers a wide selection of produce and fruit, baked goods, flowers and herbs, and garden art. It runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday thru October 15 on Louisiana Ave., in downtown Perrysburg, Ohio.

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