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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM CELEBRATES NATIONAL FARMERS' MARKET WEEK WITH SPECIAL EVENTS ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 11 PROVIDENCE - In celebration of National Farmers' Market Week, and in support of the Rhode Island farming community, the Department of Environmental Management will host special events at the Colt State Park and Goddard Memorial State Park Farmers' Markets on Friday, August 11.At Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, which features a farmers' market every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free pony rides will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon on August 11 by C&L Stables, which has public facilities at the park. At Colt State Park, where a weekly farmers' market takes place every Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., a cooking demonstration by staff from the University of Rhode Island's nutrition program will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on August 11. National Farmers' Market Week, sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote the benefits of local farmers' markets and farm stands, takes place this year from August 6 through August 12. "Because of the excessive rains early in the growing season, local farmers are working under difficult conditions this year to provide Rhode Islanders with the fresh, high quality produce they enjoy," said Kenneth Ayars, Chief of DEM's Division of Agriculture. "It is especially important for us all to support their efforts by choosing locally grown products whenever possible. "An added bonus at farmers' markets throughout Rhode Island," he added, "is the opportunity for seniors, through the Senior Farmers Market coupon program, and for pregnant women and children, through the WIC program, to obtain fresh, healthy products to ensure good nutrition." The number of farmers' markets in the United States has grown dramatically in recent years according to the USDA. Their latest figures indicate that there are over 3,800 such markets throughout the country, up from an initial count in 1994 of 1,755. Rhode Island has seen increases in the number of farmers' markets during the same period, from two to 26, including five at DEM facilities. DEM's Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing, which helps farmers with marketing information, offers a free brochure that lists the locations of all farmers' markets and roadside stands, along with addresses, hours, days and months of operation, and telephone numbers. To obtain a free brochure, or participate in the state farmers' markets, please contact the Division at 222-2781. The brochure is also available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Farmers Markets" under "Timely Topics". -30- |
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