Virginia has at least 40 winter farmers’ markets, twice as many as it had in 2010, according to findings of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
USDA ranked Virginia ninth nationwide for prevalence of winter markets in mid-December 2011. The agency tracks farmers’ markets for its National Farmers’ Market Directory, which is updated annually.
Across the United States, the number of winter markets has increased 38 percent from 886 to 1,225. They account for nearly 17 percent of the nation’s 7,222 markets.
"Consumers want to buy locally grown food throughout the year," said Matthew J. Lohr, Virginia commissioner of agriculture and consumer services. "Winter or year-round markets are able to meet this need and bring in additional income to support farm families."
A list of winter markets is available at virginiagrown.com, and consumers can search for markets nearest them with the Fresh Food Locator feature on Virginia Farm Bureau’s SaveOurFood.org.