Bill Summary
This resolution designates the week of August 3 through August 9, 2025, as "National Farmers Market Week." It highlights the significant economic contributions of farmers markets, which generated $1.7 billion in income for U.S. farmers in 2020 and have seen substantial growth in number over the past few decades. The resolution emphasizes the educational benefits of farmers markets, their role in connecting urban and rural communities, and their impact on promoting sustainable farming practices. It also notes that these markets improve health and wellness among low-income individuals receiving federal nutrition benefits. Overall, National Farmers Market Week is recognized as a time to celebrate the essential role of farmers markets in enhancing food access, supporting local economies, and fostering community well-being.
Possible Impacts
The designation of the week of August 3 through August 9, 2025, as "National Farmers Market Week" could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Economic Impact on Local Farmers**: The resolution highlights that farmers markets generated significant income for farmers. By promoting National Farmers Market Week, it could lead to increased patronage at local markets, boosting sales for farmers and food producers. This influx of revenue can help sustain local farming operations, enhance their economic viability, and contribute to the overall health of the local economy.
2. **Community Engagement and Education**: Farmers markets serve as educational hubs, bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. The celebration of this week could encourage more community events, workshops, and activities at farmers markets, fostering greater public awareness about sustainable farming practices and the importance of local food systems. This increased engagement can help build stronger community ties and improve understanding of agricultural practices.
3. **Improved Access to Healthy Foods**: The resolution acknowledges that farmers markets play a critical role in enhancing food access, particularly for low-income individuals who utilize Federal nutrition benefits. By designating a week to highlight farmers markets, there may be increased efforts to promote these markets as accessible sources of fresh produce and healthy food options. This could improve the overall health and wellness of community members, addressing food insecurity and encouraging healthier eating habits.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 349 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 349
Designating the week of August 3 through August 9, 2025, as ``National
Farmers Market Week''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 30, 2025
Mr. Padilla (for himself, Ms. Ernst, Ms. Smith, Ms. Hirono, Mr.
Heinrich, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Rounds, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Durbin,
Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Welch, Mr. King, Mr. Fetterman, Mr.
Hickenlooper, Mrs. Shaheen, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Hyde-Smith,
and Ms. Alsobrooks) submitted the following resolution; which was
considered and agreed to
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Designating the week of August 3 through August 9, 2025, as ``National
Farmers Market Week''.
Whereas farmers markets accounted for $1,700,000,000 in income for farmers of
the United States in 2020, demonstrating the crucial role of farmers
markets in local economies;
Whereas, according to the Agricultural Marketing Service of the Department of
Agriculture, the number of farmers markets in the United States rose
from 1,755 in 1994 to 8,771 in 2019, an average growth of nearly 7
percent per year;
Whereas farmers markets serve as significant educational sites and as bridges
between urban and rural communities, contributing to a better public
understanding of farming and ranching;
Whereas the adoption of more sustainable farming practices is closely associated
with farmer-to-consumer interactions facilitated by farmers markets;
Whereas farmers markets and direct marketing farmers help improve the health and
wellness of low-income people in the United States who receive Federal
nutrition benefits; and
Whereas National Farmers Market Week is a time to recognize the unique and
indispensable role farmers markets play in supporting food access,
bolstering local economies, promoting healthy communities, and fostering
sustainable farming: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates the week of August 3 through August 9, 2025,
as ``National Farmers Market Week''; and
(2) recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in
bringing communities together and in supporting the livelihoods
of millions of people in the United States, from farmers and
food producers to consumers.
<all>