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The Governor also delivered a proclamation in honor of National Farmers’ Market Week, August 3-9. “Is there anything better in the summer than fresh fruits and vegetables? And Connecticut Grown products are at the top of the list for so many reasons,” the Governor said. “Agriculture contributes more than $2 billion to our state economy each year. When we buy locally produced food we support a vital sector of our economy and create jobs.” Farmers’ markets provide a variety of fresh, nutritious foods and offer consumers a chance to meet the men and women who produce their food. They also make good economic and environmental sense, the Governor said. “High gas and diesel prices are all costs passed on to the consumers on food shipped into Connecticut. We can not only reduce our carbon footprint, but lower our grocery bills by taking advantage of the quality food produced right here on Connecticut farms.” The West Hartford Market is one of 114 farmers’ markets in the state – an all-time high and 25 more than last year, according to the state Department of Agriculture. Connecticut farmers’ markets support about 400 farms providing fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, seafood, flowers and many specialty goods. Farmers’ markets also serve needy citizens through the Womens, Infants and Children (WIC) and Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition programs. Last year, the state farmers’ markets deposited $595,000 in vouchers and expect to take in an even greater amount this year. Most farmers’ markets in Connecticut run one day a week from June or July through October, although some run multiple days a week and open as early as May. Many feature special holiday markets in November and December, and a few run throughout the winter offering products such as cheese, eggs, meat, seafood, and greenhouse-grown salad greens. “Every season has its specialties and they are all spectacular,” Governor Rell said. State Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli said farmers’ markets allow many producers to stay in business and at the same time preserve valuable farmland. “Many farmers may not have survived without these other outlets to sell their products,” Commissioner Prelli said. “The citizens of Connecticut recognize all the benefits of buying locally produced food. Farmers’ markets are on the rise not only in Connecticut but across the nation. According to the latest USDA statistics, the number of farmers markets in the U.S. rose 18 percent from 2004 to 2006. “What industry wouldn’t love to have that kind of growth,” Governor Rell said. “When you think about it, farmers markets make perfect sense. They are healthy for our families, healthy for our economy and they showcase the best of Connecticut agriculture.” The West Hartford Farmers’ Market, organized in 1992, operates in the public parking lot on LaSalle and Arapahoe Roads in West Hartford Center. It runs Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For a complete listing of farmers’ markets in the state, visit the Department of Agriculture’s website at www.CTGrown.gov © Copyright by StamfordPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of StamfordPlus.com, Stamford Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Shays supports greater oversight and transparency in financial markets - Sep 19, 2008 - 11:14 PM Gas price investigation continues with subpoenas to wholesalers - Sep 19, 2008 - 1:26 PM Pitney Bowes to host 2008 Business Solutions Forum at company world headquarters - Sep 18, 2008 - 4:18 PM King names four to administrative positions - Sep 17, 2008 - 2:05 PM UBS says costs of closing out LEH exposures below $300m - Sep 17, 2008 - 7:29 AM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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