[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 324--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF AUGUST 6 THROUGH AUGUST 
             12, 2023, AS ``NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK''

  Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Ms. Ernst) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 324

       Whereas farmers markets accounted for $1,700,000,000 in 
     income for farmers of the United States in 2020, 
     demonstrating the crucial role of farmers markets in local 
     economies;
       Whereas, according to the Marketing Service of the 
     Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets in 
     the United States rose from 1,755 in 1994 to 8,771 in 2019, 
     an average growth of nearly 7 percent per year;
       Whereas farmers markets serve as significant educational 
     sites and as bridges between urban and rural communities, 
     contributing to a better public understanding of farming and 
     ranching;
       Whereas the adoption of more sustainable farming practices 
     is closely associated with farmer-to-consumer interactions 
     facilitated by farmers markets;
       Whereas farmers markets and direct marketing farmers help 
     improve the health and wellness of low-income people in the 
     United States who receive Federal nutrition benefits; and
       Whereas National Farmers Market Week is a time to recognize 
     the unique and indispensable role farmers markets play in 
     supporting food access, bolstering local economies, promoting 
     healthy communities, and fostering sustainable farming: Now, 
     therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week of August 6 through August 12, 
     2023, as ``National Farmers Market Week''; and
       (2) recognizes the vital role that farmers markets play in 
     bringing communities together and in supporting the 
     livelihoods of millions of people in the United States, from 
     farmers and food producers to consumers.

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