Columns
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
iowa's farmers markets boost good nutrition and local farms
By Senator Tom Harkin
August 2 - 8 is National Farmers Market Week, a special occasion for recognizing and highlighting the many benefits Iowans gain from increasing sales of locally-produced foods through farmers’ markets. These markets help consumers obtain fresh, nutritious food, expand income opportunities for farm families and strengthen the economic and social fabric of communities.
Over the past 10 years, farmers’ markets grew at a tremendous pace across the country, and Iowa is no exception to this trend. Our state consistently ranks at the top nationally in per-capita farmers’ markets, a testament to Iowans’ strong support for farmers, good food and their communities.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, I understand the importance of local marketing opportunities to both farmers and communities. Farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture (CSAs) enterprises and pick-your-own operations serve as valuable social institutions, offering neighbors a place to connect with one another while they enjoy food that is grown and harvested locally.
As a farmers’ market shopper myself, it makes me feel proud to know that I’m helping to support local farmers and the rural Iowa economies they depend upon to make a living. In Iowa, the economic benefits measure in the millions of dollars and that is to say nothing of the hundreds of jobs these markets create, which underscores the critical economic role that farmers’ markets play in our economy.
Equally important, farmers’ markets help provide consumers with a ready supply of fresh and healthy food. It is no secret that we have an epidemic of chronic diseases in the United States, including obesity, diabetes and heart-related disease. We know a big part of preventing and alleviating these chronic diseases has to do with the food that we eat. Farmers markets are renowned for their offerings of fresh and healthy vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy and poultry items.
In order to help promote and expand farmers’ markets, roadside stands and similar producer-to-consumer marketing outlets, I worked successfully to include an historic level of funding for farmers market and local food initiatives in last year’s Food, Conservation and Energy Act (farm bill). An example of the increased grants we included in the farm bill is the grant of $40,000 from the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to help expand the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign in Sioux City to reach more low-income Iowa families.
As August begins, Iowans throughout the state are sharing in the bounty of the mid-summer’s harvest. Farmers markets are helping to ensure juicy Iowa melons, ripe tomatoes, fresh sweet corn and other fresh, nutritious Iowa products will be served at dinner tables across our great state as family and friends get together to enjoy one another’s company and savor some delicious food.
