As Number Of U.S. Farmers Markets Grows, America's Favorite Farmers Markets™ Contest Reveals Top 20 Leading Markets

Vote for Your Favorite Farmers Market at www.votemyfarmersmarket.org

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of National Farmers Market Week, American Farmland Trust launched an online leader board revealing the top 20 farmers markets that are leading the America's Favorite Farmers Markets™ contest. The board tracks up-to-the-minute standings during the final month of voting, which closes at midnight on Labor Day (September 3). The leader board is available at www.votemyfarmersmarket.org.

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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets listed in its National Farmers Market Directory has increased by 9.6 percent over the past year, from 7,175 markets in 2011 to 7,864 in 2012.  "The continued growth in farmers markets is terrific for family farmers and everyone who enjoys buying fresh, locally-grown food," said American Farmland Trust President Jon Scholl.

The goal of American Farmland Trust's fourth annual America's Favorite Farmers Markets contest is to highlight the role that farmers markets play in keeping family farmers on the land.  The summer long contest is a nationwide challenge to see which markets can rally the most votes from their customers.  At the end of the contest, four winning markets—one small, one medium, one mid-size, and one large—will receive the title of America's Favorite Farmers Market for 2012. The winning markets will be featured in the media and will be honored at local celebrations organized by American Farmland Trust.

"Farmers markets connect people who enjoy fresh, seasonal produce with the farmers who grow it," Scholl continued.  "America has been losing more than an acre of farm and ranch land every minute to development. Farmers markets play a critical role by helping to keep family farmers in business and keep farmland in agricultural production."

In concert with the America's Favorite Farmers Markets™ contest, farmers can submit an essay to win the Farmers Market Inspiration Award. The $1,000 prize will be awarded to a farmer showing the greatest dedication to his market by the Farmers Market Coalition in partnership with Growing for Market magazine and American Farmland Trust. Farmer nominations will be accepted through August 11^th, 2012.

According to the contest rules, people can vote for as many participating farmers markets as they choose, but can only vote for each market once.  For more information about the America's Favorite Farmers Markets contest or to vote, visit www.votemyfarmersmarket.org.  Those interested in helping to get out the vote via social media are encouraged to use the short-cuts http://bit.ly/d8esGi on Facebook and Twitter.

American Farmland Trust is the nation's leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land. Since its founding in 1980 by a group of farmers and citizens concerned about the rapid loss of farmland to development, AFT has helped save millions of acres of farmland from development and led the way for the adoption of conservation practices on millions more.

AFT's national office is located in Washington, DC. Phone: 202-331-7300.  For more information, visit www.farmland.org.

CONTACT: Gretchen Mais: (202) 378-1251, [email protected]

SOURCE American Farmland Trust