YANKTON, S.D. — What comes to mind when you think of ‘farmers markets?’ Ripe seasonal produce, colorful flowers, freshly baked bread, and music? While local farmers markets can have a direct positive impact on your weekend morning, they also make a huge impact on our broader community and local food system.
Farmers markets’ role in building healthy communities and prosperity for farmers and small businesses has made the USDA proclaim the first full week of August, National Farmers Market Week. The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) joins farmers markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week from August 7-13, 2022.
Farmers markets are sprinkled across South Dakota with over 40 markets spanning the state. To find a farmers market near you, visit the SDSPA Farmers Market website. (https://sdspecialtyproducers.
National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC), a membership-based nonprofit organization that supports farmers markets nationwide through training, technical assistance, and network-building. Markets across South Dakota will also incorporate special events during the week. Some of the local events include:
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Aug. 11th, 5:30-7 p.m. Central, Burke Area Farmers Market (https://www.
burkeareafarmersmarket.com) will host local City Council members, County Commission members, and Legislators. The market will have a photo booth contest, free popsicles, and giveaways. -
Aug. 12, 4-6:30 p.m. Mountain, Hot Springs Farmers Market (https://
hotspringsfarmersmarket.org) will feature Melvin LeRoy as part of their Market Music Series & kid zone activities will highlight ‘fiber fun creations’ sponsored by Fall River Fibers. -
Aug. 13th, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Central, Market at the Meridian (https://marketatthemeridian.
com) in Yankton, SD will host a Kidpreneur Day. Young entrepreneurs 17 and younger can offer their homegrown and homemade items for sale.
SDSPA offers a state farmers market chapter membership, known as the S.D. Farmers Market Coalition, for $40. Membership provides full access to FMC resources, an outlet for sharing needs and networking within our state, and access to special programs. The Coalition meets regularly to provide input on needs and initiatives, and to gain information on educational topics. Markets are welcome to join the next virtual meeting, scheduled for Aug. 11, 2022, 12 noon Central.
Farmers markets are abundant sources of food, connection, and resilience in our South Dakota communities. Support local farmers and small businesses by attending a market near you during National Farmers Market Week 2022!
For additional SDSPA and local foods focused information and events, visit http://sdspecialtyproducers.
— SDSPA
