DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today encouraged Iowans to visit one of Iowa’s more than 212 farmers markets located in communities across the state. With increasing consumer interest in Iowa products and producers using markets to raise profitability, there are 28 more markets than last season and more than Iowa has ever had.
“These farmers markets provide residents with direct access to Iowa’s nutritious, affordable and delicious products,” Northey said. “With strawberries and many other fruits and vegetables now in season, it is a great time to make sure you get out to your local farmers market.”
Farmers Markets make an estimated $31.5 million impact on the Iowa economy by giving local producers a place to directly market their goods and bringing business to town centers. Over 135,000 Iowans shop regularly at their local farmers market during the typical 22 week market season. 88 of Iowa’s 99 counties have markets operating in them.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture’s website has a full directory of the markets found across the state to help residents find a market in their area and learn the days and times it operates. You can search by city or county or look at the complete directory. To find the directory, simply go to http://idalsdata.org/IowaData/farmersMarket.cfm.
Farmers markets are the largest direct to consumer sales venues in Iowa. The 2007 Census of Agriculture shows the value of agricultural products sold directly to individuals for human consumption rose from 11.6 million to 16.5 million, a 42% increase.
The Department of Agriculture administers the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for seniors and residents participating in the WIC program. These programs increase the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding or aiding in the expansion of farmers markets, and additional farmers markets and farmstands. There are over 750 Farmers Market Nutrition Program certified vendors and 207 authorized locations where FMNP checks can be redeemed, visit http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/Horticulture_and_FarmersMarkets/fmNutrDirectory.asp. Eligible participants can begin to pick up checks June 1; there is a one time distribution at the beginning of the season.
The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a special supplemental food program. It is designed both to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared fruits and vegetables from farmers markets to women, infants and children who are “nutritionally at risk” and to expand the awareness, use of and sales at farmers markets. Distribution for current participants of the WIC program is at their local WIC agencies, look for information at www.idph.state.ia.us/webmap/default.asp?map=wic_agencies. WIC participants can receive 9, $3.00 checks.
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which makes checks available to low-income seniors to help them in the purchasing of fruits and vegetables available at farmers markets. Seniors can sign up to receive 10 checks for $3 each through the program by contacting their local Area Agency on Aging, which can be found at www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs/aaa/index.html#map. To qualify, the senior’s income must be less that $20,036 if single or $26,955 if married
“This is an excellent time to make an effort to get out to a market in your area, especially if you haven’t been in a while,” Northey said. “Whether you are looking for fresh produce, bake goods or something else, my guess is that you won’t be disappointed.”
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