[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING NATIONAL FARMER'S MARKET WEEK

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                           HON. ANN M. KUSTER

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Farmer's 
Market Week, which will take place August 4, 2013 through August 10, 
2013.
   In New Hampshire, the agricultural industry contributes nearly one 
billion dollars to our local economy every year. With over 400,000 
acres of land across the Granite State devoted to everything from 
timber operations and greenhouses to dairy farms and apple orchards, 
agriculture is an integral part of our landscape and history. I am 
proud to be the first Representative from New Hampshire to serve on the 
House Agriculture Committee in seventy years.
   Farmer's markets are a vital part of our communities in New 
Hampshire, connecting the farmers who grow our food with the families 
who consume it. In fact, farmer's markets could be found in New England 
all the way back to colonial times. Currently, there are nearly one 
hundred farmer's markets throughout the Granite State, from small 
summertime gatherings to year-round markets--and the number is still 
growing. Many of these markets were created by individual citizens with 
a passion for serving their community and the willingness to roll up 
their sleeves and make it happen.
   Farmer's markets strengthen our communities by supporting local 
farmers and providing consumers with fresh, nutritious food. It's a win 
for our economy, a win for our health, and a win for the environment. 
That's the New Hampshire way.
   The growing number and popularity of these markets is truly a 
testament of the commitment that Granite Staters have to our 
communities. National Farmer's Market Week recognizes the important 
role that farmer's markets play in our food system, and I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating the nearly 8,000 farmer's markets 
across our great nation.

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