[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DAVIS FARMERS MARKET

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 3, 2026

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the 
Davis Farmers Market, a leader in local agriculture, sustainability, 
and community engagement, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
  The Davis Farmers Market was founded in 1976 by University of 
California graduates Ann Evans, Martin Barnes, Annie Main, and Henry 
Esbenshade. While the farmers market began with a small group of 
vendors in Davis's Central Park, it quickly became a pioneer in 
California's direct-to-consumer agriculture industry, becoming the 
first Certified Farmers Market in the state in 1977. In 1994, the 
opening of the permanent Farmers Market Pavillion made the Davis 
Farmers Market the first structure of its kind in California.
  Since its early years, the Davis Farmers Market has become a vibrant 
gathering place and essential Davis institution, connecting farmers and 
consumers while improving access to fresh, locally grown food. The 
Market launched community-centered programs such as a live music 
series, farm-to-school initiatives, hospital-based farmers markets, and 
the University of California Davis campus market.
  The Davis Farmers Market has significantly contributed to the 
economic viability of small and regional farms, providing direct 
marketing opportunities and promoting sustainable agricultural 
practices and food education. It attracts over 500,000 visitors 
annually across its weekly markets, serving as a major economic and 
social hub for the region and supporting hundreds of farmers and 
vendors from numerous California counties.
  The Davis Farmers Market is widely recognized as a national leader in 
the farmers market movement. In recognition of its community 
significance, the Davis Farmers Market was named ``America's Favorite 
Farmer's Market'' by the American Farmland Trust in 2009 and has 
received numerous other local and regional accolades for its variety 
and leadership.
  The Davis Farmers Market's longevity and service as a model of 
community-centered food systems are celebrated today on its 50th 
anniversary. Today, the market celebrates with garden focused 
activities for children, live music, raffles, and photo booths along 
with the Saturday Farmers Market and the publication of a commemorative 
cookbook earlier this year.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank the Davis Farmers Market for its five decades 
of dedication to supporting local food producers, environmental 
stewardship, education, and community connection. Therefore, it is 
fitting and proper that we honor it here today.

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