New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Ed Wengryn visited the Ocean City Farmers Market to highlight the upcoming 25th Annual National Farmers Market Week. The USDA designates this week each year to encourage consumers to visit farmers markets during the summer and fall seasons. This year, National Farmers Market Week is set for August 4-10.
“Early August is peak season for some of New Jersey’s most celebrated fruits and vegetables as tomatoes, sweet corn, and peaches are in abundance at our community markets,” Secretary Wengryn stated. “Farmers markets are enjoyable for residents of a community to gather and also are great places to meet our farmers.”
New Jersey hosts approximately 140 community farmers markets and 700 independent ones. Farmers attending these markets offer produce picked at peak ripeness within 24 hours of sale, ensuring top taste and quality. A listing of these markets can be found online.
The Ocean City Market, one of New Jersey’s earliest community farmers markets, celebrates its 30th year. It operates every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to noon during summer on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle.
“Our farmers continue to be a source for excellent quality fruits and vegetables,” said Rose Savastano from the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, who manages the market. “It’s important for our customers to know they can count on finding the best produce at our market.”
Consuming locally grown products like Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables supports overall health, reduces environmental impact by cutting down travel miles from farm to table, and helps maintain New Jersey’s agricultural landscape.
