The Freight House Farmers Market in downtown Davenport is looking for the public’s help in a contest to crown the nation’s top farmers markets.
The local farmers market is encouraging supporters to cast their vote in the 17th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration by American Farmland Trust. That annual contest seeks to recognize the nation’s favorite farmers markets, awarding $15,000 in prizes each year.
The Freight House has held the title of the No. 1 Farmers Market in Iowa for four years. It is hoping to receive that honor for the fifth consecutive year.
“We’re so excited to be a part of America’s Farmers Market Celebration again this year,” Missy Carter, executive director of the Freight House Farmers Market, said in a news release, “It means a lot to us to be in the running, and we’re incredibly thankful for everyone who takes the time to vote.”
Between today, Aug. 1 and 5 p.m. on Sept. 30 visit markets.farmland.org. Find your favorite market, and vote to put it in the running for national recognition and cash prizes.
Go here to vote.
This year, the event will provide cash awards to the top 10 markets in America. They are $2,500 for first, $2,000 for second, $1,500 for third, $1,250 for fourth, $1,000 for fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and $875 for ninth and 10th places.
Every vote matters
The money will be awarded to boost marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the markets’ reach and impact.
“Every vote is a show of support not just for our market, but for all the amazing local farmers, makers, and small businesses who make this place so special,” Ms. Carter added. “This kind of recognition helps keep our market growing and brings even more energy to our community. We’re proud to be here, and we’re grateful to be part of something so important to our area.”
American Farmland Trust is a national nonprofit dedicated to saving farmland, promoting sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. It has run the farmers market celebration for 17 consecutive years.
The contest is designed to elevate the increasingly essential role farmers markets play in providing communities with access to fresh, locally grown food and connecting farmers directly with their customers.
“In many regions, farmers markets have been vital to keeping existing farms in business, enabling new farms to get started, and creating jobs and opportunity in these communities,” said John Piotti, American Farmland Trust president and CEO.
“At AFT, we believe that every farmers market in America is special in its own way, helping to connect farmers to customers, customers to healthy food, and the community to the local food system.”
