08-06-2012 National Farmers' Market WeekPITTSYLYANIA CODNTYBOARD OFSUPERVISORS
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL FARMERS' MARKET WEEK
August 5-11, 2012
WHEREAS, shopping at a farmers' market is a wholly unique experience that benefits farmers and
producers directly, allowing them to go home with a greater share of the retail price than they would by
selling wholesale; and
WHEREAS, The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) reports that
the State's network of wholesale farmers' markets had gross sales with a value of $42.8 million in 2011,
more than doubling the value of sales over the past five years; and
WHEREAS, by patronizing your local farmers' market, you hand your money to the person who
grew or made the products in front of you; and
WHEREAS, farmers' markets bring business to neighboring stores and communities where the
market is located, and shopping at the markets keeps money circulating in the local community, helping to
preserve and create local jobs; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia Cooperative Extension reports show if households in Southern Virginia
spent 15% of their weekly food budget on locally grown food products, $90 million in new farm income
would be created for the region; and
WHEREAS, shopping at farmers' markets offers the consumer fresher, more unique products, more
heirloom varieties, and more opportunities to build relationships and learn about healthy eating; and
WHEREAS, price comparison studies show that produce was less expensive at farmers' markets
compared to supermarkets, on average by 22%, benefitting both the local agriculture industry and the local
consumer; and
WHEREAS, shopping at farmers' market located at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex is a
community experience, where you can meet your neighbors, friends, and farmers, and where more dollars
will stay in the Pittsylvania County community; then
BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED by the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors that the week of
August S`" thru 11`h, 2012 be proclaimed "National Farmers' Market Week" in Pittsylvania County and
all citizens of Pittsylvania County are encouraged to visit local farmers' markets and celebrate the benefits of
the markets and their bountiful fresh produce and products.
Given under my hand this 6`h day of August, 2012.
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Tim R. Barber, Chairman
Pittsylvani ounty Board of Supervisors
William D. Sleeper, Clerk
Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors