The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is pleased to announce that Virginia has broken into the national Top 10 List for the number of winter farmers’ markets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in mid-December that the number of winter farmers’ markets is increasing and that Virginia ranks ninth among all states in the number of such markets. Virginia now has at least 40 winter markets and is adding more throughout the season. In 2010, the Commonwealth had 21 winter markets.
According to the updated National Farmers’ Market Directory, since 2010 the number of winter markets has increased 38 percent, from 886 to 1,225. These winter markets also account for nearly 17 percent of the nation's 7,222 operating farmers markets.
"Consumers want to buy locally-grown food throughout the year," said Matthew J. Lohr, VDACS Commissioner. "Winter or year-round markets are able to meet this need and bring in additional income to support farm families."
In addition to the jams, jellies, honey, milk, eggs, cheese and meat products, consumers can find a variety of fresh Virginia Grown produce during the winter months, including apples, greens/spinach, herbs and sweet potatoes. Many winter markets also feature Virginia Grown flowers, plants and even Christmas trees.
A list of winter markets is available on the VDACS website, www.vdacs.virginia.gov, and also on VirginiaGrown.com. Lohr encourages any markets that operate at least one winter or holiday market in November or December to contact VDACS to add their market to the list. Market Managers should call VDACS’s Division of Marketing at 804.225.3663 or e-mail leanne.dubois@vdacs.virginia.gov.