Virginia Farmers Market Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Virginia Farmers Market Week

WHEREAS, more than 300 farmers markets and farm stands across the Commonwealth of Virginia provide residents and visitors with convenient access to locally grown and produced, high-quality agricultural products and other locally crafted goods at competitive prices; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets strengthen Virginia's agricultural economy by providing direct marketing opportunities and essential infrastructure for farmers, supporting new and small agricultural producers, stimulating local economies, fostering civic engagement, and helping preserve farmland; and

WHEREAS, farmers markets offer an excellent agritourism experience that provides vendors an opportunity to educate the public on sustainable farming practices and conservation of land, water, and other natural resources; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia began accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at farmers markets in 2011, and in 2015, this effort became Virginia Fresh Match (VFM); today, more than 220 farmers markets, farm stands, and farmers participate in the program, which doubles the value of SNAP purchases, expands access to fresh, locally grown food, and creates new economic opportunities for Virginia farmers; and

WHEREAS, 1,100 Virginia farmers earn income from the VFM, and without this program, many Virginians on SNAP would lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Social Services, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Fresh Match network, and participating Virginia farmers have partnered to expand access to healthy, locally grown food while strengthening local agriculture and communities across the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize August 2 - 8, 2026, as VIRGINIA FARMERS MARKET WEEK and the 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF SNAP IN FARMERS MARKETS in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.