Agricultural Festival Splash in AmericaTM
The America's Farmers Market Celebration™ (AFMC), organised by the American Farmland Trust (AFT), is a significant annual campaign that raises awareness about the crucial role farmers markets play across the United States. This event highlights how these markets support local farmers, food makers, and artisans while nourishing communities and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The AFMC serves multiple key purposes. It promotes local economies by encouraging shoppers to buy fresh, local produce directly from farmers and vendors. By doing so, it protects and preserves working farmland by supporting the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers, helping keep agricultural land in production. Furthermore, it fosters community connections by bringing people together around healthy food and sustainability.
During the AFMC, market shoppers and supporters can vote for their favourite market on the AFMC website, with top markets winning a cash prize and national recognition. This year, several farmers markets in partnership with AFT are participating, including Kingston, Cold Spring, Piermont, Callicoon, and Pleasantville.
The Kingston Farmers' Market, located in Ulster County, operates Saturdays from May 3 to November 22. With over 60 vendors, it offers a wide variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local delicacies. The market can be found on Instagram at @kingstonfarmersmarket.
The Pleasantville Farmers' Market, situated in Westchester County, operates Saturdays from April to December. It boasts over 60 vendors and can be found at Metro-North Parking Lot, 10 Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville. The market's Instagram handle is @pvillefm.
The Callicoon Farmers' Market, nestled in Sullivan County, operates Sundays from December to March. It can be found at 8 Creamery Road, Callicoon, and has over 30 vendors. Keep up with the market on Instagram at @callicoonfarmersmarket.
The Cold Spring Farmers' Market, located in Putnam County, offers two scheduling options. The Summer/Fall Market operates Sundays from May to November, while the Winter Market runs from December to April. With over 30 vendors, the market is a hub for fresh produce and local goods. Find it at Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 NY-9D, Garrison, or on Instagram at @coldspringfarmersmarket.
The Piermont Farmers' Market, situated in Rockland County, operates two markets annually. The Summer/Fall Market runs Sundays from May to November at Flywheel Park, Piermont, while the Winter Market takes place Sundays from December to April at Piermont Public Library Parking Lot. The market can be found on Instagram at @piermontfarmersmarket.
The Hudson Farmers' Market, located in Columbia County, operates Saturdays from April 19 to November 22. During the winter, the indoor market is held at Elks Lodge #787, 201 Harry Howard Ave, and operates Saturdays from November 29 to April 11.
The Beacon Farmers' Market, situated in Dutchess County, operates Sundays from 10am-2pm year-round. The Pakatakan Farmers' Market, located in Delaware County, operates Saturdays from May 17 to November 29.
American Farmland Trust (AFT) is a leading conservation organization that protects farmland and ranchland, promotes environmentally sound farming practices, and supports farmers and ranchers. Through initiatives like the AFMC, AFT continues to champion the importance of farmers markets and sustainable agriculture in the United States.
The America's Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC) not only promotes economies by supporting local farmers, food makers, and artisans but also fosters community connections, particularly through home-and-garden activities at various farmers markets. For instance, the Kingston Farmers' Market on Instagram @kingstonfarmersmarket and the Pleasantville Farmers' Market on Instagram @pvillefm both offer fresh produce and artisan goods, creating a lifestyle centered around sustainable agriculture and community engagement.
