National Farmers Market Week Celebrated Nationwide — and Felt Close to Home in Somerset County

As the country marks National Farmers Market Week, August 2–8, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins is calling on Americans to celebrate the farmers, ranchers, and producers who keep our nation fed. In a proclamation issued from Washington, D.C., Secretary Rollins encouraged families to visit their local farmers markets and support the growers who bring fresh, American‑grown food directly to their communities.

Observed every year during the first full week of August, National Farmers Market Week highlights the essential role markets play in strengthening rural economies, creating new opportunities for producers, and connecting consumers with the people behind their food. As Secretary Rollins noted, every purchase at a farmers market is “an investment in American agriculture, our rural communities, and our country’s future.”

This year’s celebration carries added significance as the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary. USDA marked the occasion with its flagship event, the Great American Farmers Market, held as part of the Great American State Fair. Farmers, ranchers, and producers from across the country gathered to showcase the diversity and abundance of American agriculture — a reminder of the hard work that has sustained the nation since its founding.

Local markets in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Somerville, and Montgomery continue to serve as hubs of community connection, offering residents access to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, and specialty items grown and raised by New Jersey producers. These markets support family farms, encourage healthy eating, and preserve the agricultural heritage that remains central to the region’s identity.

National Farmers Market Week is a chance to celebrate the growers who show up week after week — rain or shine — to share their harvest with the community. The USDA encourages Americans to visit their local markets, thank the farmers and ranchers who feed the nation, and support the small businesses that keep American agriculture thriving for generations to come.

As always, please confirm federal announcements with trusted sources such as USDA.gov.

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