More than 3,000 farmer’s markets across the country offer consumers farm-fresh, affordable, convenient and healthy products. Farmer’s markets serve as integral links between urban, suburban, and rural communities and the popularity of the markets continues to rise, especially in Illinois, which now ranks third in the nation for the number of farmer’s markets.
To further the expansion and awareness of farmer’s markets take this opportunity to search for a community or roadside market near you.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture, along with the Illinois Specialty Growers Association, is working to expand the number and awareness of Illinois farmer’s markets. The number of Illinois producers that have signed-up to participate in the ILLINOIS “WHERE FRESH IS” logo program is increasing. If you are a producer, you can use this as a tool to help sell Illinois grown produce, fruits and other horticulture commodities.
For a producer to use the logo, you only need to fill out and submit an application to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. After the application is approved you will receive a list of sales materials with the logo. These materials can be purchased at cost for use at community farmer’s markets, roadside stands and grocery stores.
You can download a copy of the application at www.agr.state.il.us/markets/farmers/. For more information call 217-524-9129 or email delayne.reeves@illinois.gov.
