California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • USDA Hiring Engineers, Natural Resource Specialists Nationwide to Enhance Ag Conservation

    Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is ramping up hiring for key positions that will help strengthen agricultural conservation efforts and turn President Biden’s Investing in America agenda into action. The available positions include engineers, civil engineering technicians and natural resource specialists, building on other large-scale hiring announcements earlier this year. The application period for engineer positions is currently open, and engineering technicians and natural resource specialist opportunities will open over the next two weeks.

    “Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we are building a robust workforce with the skills necessary to support communities as they address conservation challenges and respond to increasing extreme weather events fueled by climate change,” said NRCS Chief Terry Cosby. “If you are interested in leveraging your skill in engineering or the agricultural sciences to make a positive impact in your local community, you are exactly the kind of candidate we’re looking for. You would work with farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, as well as other community members, to address a variety of natural resource conservation challenges and support our country’s investment in a climate-smart future for agriculture.”

    Today’s announcement is funded by $19.5 billion from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The new NRCS engineers and engineering technicians will play a critical role in solving a host of natural resource problems for agricultural producers and local communities. Their projects may involve stream restoration, erosion control, developing water systems for livestock, improving and conserving irrigation water and restoring wetlands. They may also help communities recover from natural disasters.

    Natural resource specialists perform a variety of duties to help landowners meet their conservation objectives. This may include assisting in the implementation of conservation plans, conducting scientific studies and performing on-site evaluations with customers. Their work enhances conservation program delivery and helps build resilient farms and communities across America.

    “These positions offer outstanding benefits that set them apart from jobs outside of federal service,” Cosby said. “NRCS provides competitive starting pay with regular increases and locality pay adjustments, career ladders and advancement opportunities, flexible work schedules and telework, excellent medical benefits, paid maternal and paternal leave, and a pension where eligibility begins after five years of service, as well as a 401k-type retirement program with matching contributions by USDA.”

    How to Apply

    The announcement for engineers is currently open on USAjobs.gov and will close on June 30, 2023. NRCS will post an announcement for engineering technicians on June 26 and natural resource specialists on July 3. Interested candidates can find more information and apply by searching for these job titles on USAjobs.gov.

    To qualify for these positions, candidates must meet the education requirements, or a combination of education and experience requirements, as outlined in the job announcement. General qualifications for the engineering and natural resource management job series are also available on OPM.gov. Additional information on career opportunities at NRCS is available on the agency’s careers webpage. 

    More Information

    Over the next several years, NRCS expects to add over 4,400 new employees to its federal workforce, in addition to over 3,000 team members through partner organizations, to help with Inflation Reduction Act implementation.

    The Inflation Reduction Act is part of the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda to grow the American economy from the middle out and bottom up, by rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing investments, creating good-paying jobs, and building a clean energy economy to tackle the climate crisis and make our communities more resilient. NRCS received $19.5 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act for our popular conservation programs to provide financial assistance to customers. Many of these programs support President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which is advancing environmental justice by ensuring that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments reach disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment. To help with implementation, NRCS is also streamlining programs to make them more efficient and better for producers and partners as well as building new and existing partnerships to add capacity. NRCS is committed to supporting farmers, ranchers, private landowners and Tribal Nations, to build resilient agricultural operations, combat climate change, ensure equity and support voluntary conservation on working lands.

    NRCS accepts producer applications for its conservation programs year-round, and in some states, producers can still apply for 2023 funding. Interested producers should view their state ranking dates.

    NRCS is a federal agency that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners conserve soil, water and other natural resources. Employees provide technical expertise and conservation planning. Financial assistance is available for a wide variety of conservation programs. NRCS has offices in USDA Service Centers nationwide.

  • Reclamation Grant Supports Unified Water Plan for San Joaquin Valley

    The Bureau of Reclamation today announced an award of about $1 million to help the California Water Institute and Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley develop and integrate subregional water management efforts and local projects into a unified water plan for the San Joaquin Valley.

    “Reclamation is committed to looking towards the future relative to sustainable resource management and we are excited to partner and support efforts spearheaded by CWI and the Water Blueprint,” said Adam Nickels, Reclamation’s chief of resources management and planning. “Under this effort, information will be gathered by a diverse cross-section of the American public and stakeholders and will be used by resource decision-makers and stakeholders.”

    The water plan report will leverage information from counties, cities, and groundwater sustainability agencies. “I’m excited to work with all of the different agencies and evaluate their needs and find a connection between all of them,” said Laura Ramos, CWI research and education division interim director. “Being able to take a look at the entire area will give us a really good visual of what the San Joaquin Valley needs.”

    The two-year project will look at existing and future conditions and consider various aspects of the plans, including water quality, supply, conveyance, reliability, conservation efforts, flood control and population growth.

    The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation’s largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov/ and follow us on Twitter @USBR & @ReclamationCGB; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

  • American Agri-Women Release Vision for 2023 Farm Bill

    “We in agriculture need to block out the noise and move forward with a vision that works to solve the critical problems facing our country,” said American Agri-Women (AAW) President Heather  Hampton+Knodle.  “Agriculture is on the front lines of challenges such as dealing with climate extremes, food security, national security, and worldclass telecommunications to enable further advancements in natural resource management.”   Yet, agriculture receives approximately 1% of federal discretionary funding each year. And less than one quarter of a percent of total spending.

    AAW’s recent work builds on concepts the group published in 2022 that included fundamentals like well-funded, flexible crop insurance; revitalizing research infrastructure that has outlived its intended life; access to markets and inputs including credit to pay for exponential increases in inputs and equipment; and modernizing aging utilities for water and underserved telecommunications in rural areas.

    Additions to the vision include using export programs to secure global supply chain logistics for inputs and exports; increasing programs to support rural, large livestock veterinarians; and workforce development for the timber industry.

    AAW envisions a Farm Bill that tailors programs to support a robust and self-sufficient food and agriculture sector based on ownership of private property because it leads to innovation and continual increases in production to feed, clothe and fuel our domestic population and much of the world.

    AAW supports food programs as part of the Farm Bill. In order to feed people with programs such as SNAP and school lunches, investments begin at the farm level with critical components for managing risk such as crop insurance and access to credit; research and innovation that is transferred to farms and value-added processing in rural areas; symmetrical connectivity and data transfer for real-time decision making and communications; conservation programs that emphasize the health of working lands rather than discourage their wise use.

    Hampton+Knodle said, “We need healthy and vibrant rural communities where we can train qualified minds and hands to enact the vision. The Farm Bill is needed for food security and national security as well as playing roles in maintaining a positive trade balance in agriculture and sustaining rural economies throughout the U.S. Given the importance of agriculture to solving key problems in nutrition, trade, energy, and conservation, AAW believes Congress should increase baseline funding for the Farm Bill.”

    AAW’s Vision for the 2023 Farm Bill can be found at www.americanagriwomen.org.

    About American Agri-Women

    American Agri-Women (AAW) promotes the welfare of our national security through safe and reliable food, fiber and energy supply. Since 1974, AAW members have worked together to educate consumers, advocate for agriculture, and offer networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW website for more information and to join www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/, Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag) and Instagram.com/americanagriwomen/(@americanagriwomen). #standupspeakout4ag

  • USDA Accepting Applications for Chile Agribusiness Trade Mission

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is accepting applications from U.S. exporters for a trade mission to Santiago, Chile.

    During the week of September 25-29, U.S. agribusinesses will participate in business-to-business meetings with potential importers from both Chile and Peru. The trade mission will coincide with the USDA-endorsed Espacio Food and Service trade show, Chile’s major food show and a significant gateway to the Latin American market, offering additional networking opportunities for U.S. participants.

    “This year we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of U.S.-Chile diplomatic relations and today Chile and the neighboring Peru are some of our key trading partners, representing the second and third largest agricultural markets in South America,” said FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley. “With the Espacio Food and Service trade show taking place at the same time, the upcoming trade mission to Santiago provides a unique opportunity to expand U.S. agricultural exports to Chile and Peru even further.”

    In addition to conducting business-to-business meetings, the trade mission participants will also have an opportunity to receive detailed market briefings from FAS staff and local and regional industry experts. The event will include receptions and other opportunities to network, engagements with USDA leadership, and relevant site and retail visits in Santiago and the surrounding area.

    Total agricultural exports to these markets have grown significantly since the establishment of the Chile Free Trade Agreement and the Peru Trade Promotion Agreements and exceeded $2 billion in 2022. In January – April 2023, U.S. agricultural exports to Chile have increased by 4 percent compared to the same period in the prior year. The region offers a modern and dynamic food retail sector as well as relatively high per capita incomes and purchasing power. Strong opportunities exist for exporters across many sectors, including but not limited to:

    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Animal protein
    • Cheese
    • Consumer-oriented products
    • Dog and cat food
    • Ingredients for processing
    • Tree nuts
    • Wheat

    To apply, please complete the Santiago, Chile Agribusiness Trade Mission Application. The deadline to apply for the Chile trade mission is Wednesday, July 5th.

    This is the fourth USDA trade mission of 2023. FAS will also be leading trade missions later this year to Malaysia/Singapore and Angola. To learn more about the USDA trade missions, visit: Trade Missions | USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

  • U.S. Exporters Build New Partnerships During Ag Trade Mission to Japan

    June started off on a high note at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, with the USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor leading the U.S. delegation on an agribusiness trade mission to Japan on June 5-9.

    “Leading a trade mission is always a great honor and I was very pleased to showcase the quality and diversity of U.S. food and agricultural products,” said Taylor. “This delegation was incredibly robust, bringing together representatives from 11 state departments of agriculture, 11 cooperators, a representative from the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association, and a diverse group of U.S. exporters looking to establish new business partnerships with Japanese importers.”

    While in Japan, Under Secretary Taylor met with leadership from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry; and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. United States and Japan enjoy a strong bilateral trade relationship and these meetings allowed the two sides to discuss strengthening this relationship even further, expanding biofuels export markets, and strengthening food safety.

    Throughout the week, the participants learned about Japanese consumers and how to do business in Japan. More than 400 business-to-business meetings were held, providing U.S. exporters with opportunities to establish strong connections with their new business partners in Japan. Companies that joined this trade mission provided a strong display of strength and breadth of U.S. food and agriculture industries, showcasing products including grains, pork, fruit, berries, coffee, tea, and distilled spirits.

    “Over the years we have found that the trade mission format is very beneficial and is a great use of time and resources,” said Jake Robinson, an Intertribal Agricultural Council member, who represented products from Red Lake, Inc., owned by the Red Lake Nation. “Trade missions are vital events for increasing our export footprint and provide excellent opportunities to get a comprehensive market analysis, develop key relationships with buyers, and work directly with FAS staff.”

    “This program helped us connect with people interested in our products, making the whole process much easier and simpler,” said Carolyn Crotzer, a co-owner of Hawaiian Viking Coffee. This was the first trade mission for the company. “Multiple companies have already said that they want to work with us, and I am blown away by the response we are getting and how fast everything is getting processed.”

    This was the third agribusiness trade mission organized by FAS in 2023. The agency is also planning a trade mission to Chile in September, Malaysia in October, and Angola in December. Learn more about USDA trade missions by visiting https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions and following FAS on Twitter at @USDAForeignAg.

  • Westlands Water District Shows Groundwater Recharge Success

    Westlands Water District (District) has released new data on the District’s groundwater recharge efforts. Since 2019, the District has been working with District landowners to establish on-farm recharge projects, with the goal of taking advantage of abundant water supply (when available) to improve groundwater levels in the lower and upper aquifers.

    Sustainability is at the core of the District’s comprehensive water delivery system and groundwater recharge is a key strategy to both store and preserve water for future dry years or droughts and improve groundwater conditions in the subbasin. The District is committed to ensuring a sustainable water future by investing in recharge projects and encouraging landowners to explore and implement creative approaches that maximize water use efficiency and storage while improving climate resilience.

    “We recognize the next drought is not if but when and it is critical we use extra water to prepare for future years when water may be sparse,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “The District’s groundwater recharge efforts will help ensure we meet our Groundwater Sustainability Plan objectives while allowing our farmers the opportunity to save water and plan next year’s crop.”

    The District is currently offering three groundwater recharge programs to help landowners refill and replenish the aquifers in the District. Project types include percolation basins, flood irrigation, sublateral recharge, and dry well injection. The District is seeing strong enthusiasm and interest from landowners as new applications continue to be submitted.

    With increased surface water supply this year, the District has been able to take advantage of the opportunity to prepare for the future. In May 2023 alone, recharge efforts resulted in 24,000 acre-feet (af) being stored. Water year to date, (March 1st through June 20th) the District has recharged approximately 60,000 af. The District is aiming to get to over 200,000 af of total recharge by the end of this water year (February 29,2024).

    Additional recharge projects will be online in the coming months as the District has processed 273 applications for 61 Aquifer Storage and Recovery, 131 flood Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) projects, 77 percolation basins and 4 sublateral projects.

    District recharge projects and in-lieu recharge (also known as foregone pumping) have had a positive impact on groundwater levels. In May 2023, groundwater elevation levels in the Lower Aquifer registered at –54 mean sea level, which is an increase of 40 feet compared to average groundwater elevation in the fall of 2022. Though these results have been encouraging, there is more work that needs to be done for a water-secure California.

    “Strengthening water security in California isn’t something that can be done by just one water district, one water agency, or even one region,” Febbo added. “This is a statewide problem where we need to prioritize collaboration and develop multifaceted solutions to address California’s water crisis. That’s why we are committed to exploring and implementing creative approaches to maximize water use efficiency and storage and improve climate resilience.”

    To learn more about the District’s recharge efforts see our groundwater recharge factsheet.

    About Westlands Water District

    Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than seven decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.

  • Win $250,000 in AgSharks Pitch Competition

    Western Growers and S2G Ventures are now accepting applications for the 2023 AgSharks Competition, a unique event where startup companies pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of the world’s largest specialty crop producers to win a $250,000 minimum investment. Impact-driven entrepreneurs and startups developing technologies that promote a more healthy and sustainable food and agriculture system can apply for the AgSharks Competition by clicking here. Applications close on July 28, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

    “As our partnership with S2G Ventures to host the AgSharks competition at the Western Growers Annual Meeting enters its sixth year, we look forward to finding finalists who can bring real-world technology solutions to solve the issues impacting the specialty crop community,” said Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia. “2022 AgSharks winner NutJobs earned a record $6 million equity investment – and this year we invite entrepreneurs to apply who have a similar bold vision.”

    Three startups will be selected to pitch their solutions to a panel of growers, shippers, processors and venture capitalists in front of more than 300 fresh produce farmers and industry leaders during the WG Annual Meeting in Kauai on Nov. 12-15, 2023. The AgSharks finalists will be the only presenting startups featured on stage. In addition to potential investment capital, the winner(s) will receive international recognition, mentoring from S2G and WG, potential access to farm acreage to pilot their technologies and access to WG’s expansive network of leading fresh produce companies.

    “It takes an ecosystem of stakeholders working together to unlock better outcomes for consumers and producers,” said Audre Kapacinskas, Principal, S2G Ventures. “Western Growers has been a tremendous partner, serving as a bridge between growers, innovators and investors to accelerate innovation in agriculture. As an investor, we bring capital to the table, and having an open dialogue with growers allows us to have a better understanding of industry needs and how we might work together to meaningfully move the needle on innovation in agriculture. We look forward to collaborating again this year.”

    AgSharks was first held in 2017; during last year’s competition AgSharks winner NutJobs received a record $6 million equity investment offer. Nutjobs transforms nutshell waste into bio-benign plastic alternative products that are compostable.

    Past AgSharks winners Hazel Technologies and Burro have since brought their products from development to market. Hazel Technologies has raised over $87.8 million in funding over six rounds and is advancing the industry with sachets that extend the shelf life of fresh produce by as much as three times. Burro raised a $10.9 million Series A round in September 2021 led by S2G Ventures and Toyota Ventures and continues to help solve farmers’ labor woes with the expansion of its fleet of autonomous robots to farms across the West.

    About Western Growers:

    Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.

    About S2G Ventures:

    S2G Ventures, the direct investment team of Builders Vision, partners with entrepreneurs who are working on solutions to some of the world’s greatest challenges across the food, agriculture, oceans, and clean energy markets. We provide capital, mentorship and value-added resources to companies pursuing innovative market-based solutions that generate positive social, environmental and financial returns. We provide our partners with flexible capital solutions that can range from seed and venture funding through growth equity to debt and infrastructure financing. For more information about S2G, visit s2gventures.com, read our insights, or connect with us on LinkedIn.

  • Governor Newsom Unveils Infrastructure Package to Secure California’s Global Leadership and Promote Economic Prosperity

    Urgent action is required to maintain California’s position as a global socio-economic leader. Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a comprehensive Infrastructure Package designed to address critical challenges, including meeting climate goals, improving the electric grid, enhancing water resilience, and modernizing transportation infrastructure.

    The Infrastructure Package is not merely about building infrastructure; it is about fostering progress and economic prosperity in our communities,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, President and CEO of the Almond Alliance. “By investing in sustainable water supply and efficient supply chains, the Infrastructure Package aims to ensure a thriving future for California.

    “California’s water infrastructure was constructed 55 years ago when the population was less than half of what it is today. Unfortunately, the repercussions of this outdated system are evident today, with one million Californians lacking access to clean drinking water, hundreds of thousands of agricultural acres lying fallow, and specific fish populations dwindling.”

    Bettencourt continued, “The Infrastructure Package presents an opportunity to establish a resilient water management system that benefits everyone, people, farmers, and the environment.

    “The transportation infrastructure plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of agricultural products, such as almonds, for export. Improving highways, roads, rail transportation, intermodal facilities, and port infrastructure will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance California’s competitiveness in global markets.

    “Streamlining permitting processes and reducing red tape is a key aspects of the Infrastructure Package. These reforms will save time and money for taxpayers, businesses, and local governments, creating a more efficient project planning and approval system.”

    About the Almond Alliance
    Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture. As the voice of almonds, the Alliance represents the fourth-largest commodity in the United States and the third-largest American export.

    Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org

  • Reports Detailing 2022 National Beef Quality Audit Results Now Available

    Approximately every five years, the beef cattle industry undergoes a National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA), funded by the Beef Checkoff, to help determine quality conformance of the U.S. beef supply. Reports detailing 2022 NBQA results are now available at www.bqa.org. The Market Cows and Bulls and Fed Cattle reports outline where the beef supply chain is making positive changes as well as areas for improvement.

    “The NBQA gives us an idea of what we need to be focusing on as an industry,” said Dr. Trey Patterson, CEO of Padlock Ranch and chair of the Beef Quality Assurance Advisory Group. “We can celebrate successes in safety, quality and efficiency and we can challenge ourselves on what we can do better.”

    Since 1991, the NBQA provides an understanding of what quality means to the various industry sectors, and the value of those quality attributes. This research helps the industry make modifications necessary to increase the value of its products.

    The findings from the 2022 NBQA serve to improve quality, minimize economic loss, and aid in advancements in producer education for the U.S. beef industry. The 2022 NBQA provides valuable information about the production of live cattle into beef carcasses and serves as a benchmark for the beef industry.

    The NBQA remains an important measure for the U.S. beef industry as it strives to improve quality and consumer demand. Results from the 2022 NBQA can be utilized by all segments of beef production to improve upon current management practices and implement innovative techniques ultimately enhancing consistency and quality of cattle and beef products across the U.S. beef supply chain.

    For more information about the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit and to read the reports, visit the Beef Quality Assurance website at www.bqa.org. A special episode of Cattlemen to Cattlemen highlighting 2022 NBQA results is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8N9FvdDa4k.

    About the Beef Checkoff
    The Beef Checkoff was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The Checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents of the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

    About NCBA, a Contractor to the Beef Checkoff
    The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is a contractor to the Beef Checkoff Program. The Beef Checkoff is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

  • American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition Kick Off 15th Annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration With $15,000 in Prizes

    American Farmland Trust (AFT) and the Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) kick off the 15th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration™ (AFMC) today—a significant milestone to celebrate the only annual ranking of the top farmers markets in the United States as voted on by the public.

    Since 2008, AFMC has highlighted the key role farmers markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the farmers, staff and volunteers that make markets possible. While they have long served as pillars of local food in urban centers and town squares, in recent years, farmers markets have gained the national recognition they deserve as essential businesses that power farmers and communities to thrive.

    “In many regions, farmers markets have been vital to keeping existing farms in business, enabling new farms to get started, and creating jobs and opportunity in these communities,” said John Piotti, American Farmland Trust president and CEO. “At AFT, we believe that every farmers market in America is special in its own way, helping to connect farmers to customers, customers to healthy food, and the community to the local food system.”

    The 15th annual AFMC will run between June 19 and September 18, 2023, on markets.farmland.org. The summer-long event is a fun competition that helps farmers markets across the country earn national recognition and local prestige. Markets can join the celebration and encourage their customers to vote, an excellent marketing tool and a pathway to winning a piece of the $15,000 prize pool.

    In 2023, AFT has increased the total cash prizes to $15,000 and expanded the awards to cover the top five markets nationally (compared to the top three in past years). The breakdown of prize money is as follows: $5,000 for first, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third, $750 for fourth, $250 for fifth, and $100 to 1st in each state.  In addition to the prize money, the top markets also receive national and local press coverage, complimentary American Farmland Trust and Farmers Market Coalition memberships, I Love My Farmers Market stickers, No Farms No Food gear, a free one-year subscription to Farmers Market Metrics, and other surprises!

    The AFMC also identifies the top markets in each state and in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Pacific regions.

    “Across the country, farmers markets are at the heart of their communities,” said Ben Feldman, Executive Director at Farmers Market Coalition. “Through constant innovation and iteration, farmers markets are a driving force for positive chances at the individual, community, and societal level. If you care about farm viability, environmental stewardship, community engagement, or just want to eat the best fruits and vegetables around, farmers markets are the place for you. The Farmers Market Coalition is thrilled to continue our partnership with American Farmland Trust to support this celebration of farmers markets.”

    “Overland Park Farmers Market had the honor of being recognized as the #1 farmers market in the nation in 2022. The recognition elevated our market, on a national level, and contributed to 2021 being the best year our market has had in its 42 years of being open,” said Kristina Stanley, Recreation Supervisor for the Overland Park Farmers Market in Overland Park, KS. “We became a destination that offered unique experiences and a hot spot for people to live, work and play. The Overland Park Farmers’ Market is the focal point and heart of this vibrant and diverse neighborhood where all are welcome. And that is the greatest achievement in receiving this award.”

    The AFMC database and interactive map on markets.farmland.org is one of the largest listings of farmers markets in the United States, containing more than 7,000 entries. Help us make sure our information is as current as possible. If you see a market listed that is no longer active, please email us at marketinfo@farmland.org and ask us to remove it.

    American Farmland Trust is the only national conservation organization dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting environmentally sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land. Since 1980, AFT’s innovative work has helped to permanently protect more than 6.8 million acres of farmland and ranchland and led the way for the adoption of conservation practices on millions more. No Farms, No Food. Learn more at www.farmland.org.

    The Farmers Market Coalition is a membership-based nonprofit with the mission to strengthen farmers markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities. Since 2006, FMC has been serving as the only national organization dedicated to supporting farmers market operators and has provided important resources, technical assistance, and advocacy to cultivate the growing farmers market field across the country. Farmers markets are essential. Learn more at farmersmarketcoalition.org.