Downtown Fremont Inc. joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week through Aug. 10. As demand for local food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for America’s farmers to market fresh food directly to the consumer.

According to statistics recently released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers markets and farm stands account for roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products. This revenue, in turn, supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small and mid-sized farms and ranches.

The Downtown Fremont Inc.’s Farmers Markets began in 2005, and currently hosts eight farmers selling a wide variety of products, including peaches, corn, green beans, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes and asparagus. In the current season, Downtown Fremont Inc.’s Farmers Market is generating sales for these local producers which are a valuable economic boost for our community.

“Farmers Markets play a vital role not just in generating real income for farmers, but in forming a healthy, prosperous food system,” says Jen Cheek, Program Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture and sharing recipes and new foods with their neighbors. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier.

The Downtown Fremont Inc.’s Farmers Markets are very beneficial to our business. We are able to connect with consumers who normally don’t shop at our produce stand,” said Chad Overmyer of TJay’s Produce. “This gives them a chance to sere, and purchase items we grow. It also gives them the chance to see the high quality of our products.”

For further information about the Farmers Markets, please call 419-332-8696 or 567-342-4758, as well as visit the Downtown Fremont Inc. office at 315 Garrison St., Fremont. Visit Downtown Fremont Inc.’s website at www.downtownfremontohio.org, or @Downtown Fremont Inc. on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.