ALASKA FARMERS MARKET WEEK
August 1st-7th, 2021
EXECUTIVE PROCLAMATION
by Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proclaimed the first National farmers market Week in 1999 and it was created to bring awareness regarding local efforts nationwide for producers to sell directly to customers; and

WHEREAS, a farmers market is an organized assembly of food producers or their representatives who gather to provide local and regional wares directly to the consumer. USDA estimates that farmers markets have quadrupled over the last 30 years; and

WHEREAS Alaska farmers, anglers, and ranchers provide access to healthy, regionally-produced foods through farmers markets, which are evolving to accommodate the demand for a diverse array of farm-to-table products and increasing the stability of food security throughout Alaska, and

WHEREAS farmers markets and other agricultural direct marketing outlets provide infrastructure to assist in the distribution of farm and value-added products, contributing over  $4.5 million to the Alaskan economy in direct-to-consumer sales, and

WHEREAS farmers markets serve as significant outlets where a range of producers, including small to medium, new  and veteran agricultural producers to market products that generating revenue supporting the sustainability of family farms and the revitalization of rural communities, and

WHEREAS the state of Alaska recognizes the importance of expanding agricultural marketing opportunities that assist and encourage the next generation of farmers, anglers, and ranchers; to generate income that stimulates business development and job creation; building community connections through rural and urban links; and;