Farmers market slated Aug. 10 at the State Capitol

Melons, cucumbers, beef, garlic, honey, tomatoes, pork, sweet corn, lettuce, jams, jellies, baked goods and more will be on sale Wednesday, Aug. 10, at the 12th annual North Dakota Farmers Market Day at the Capitol.

“There’s no better way to celebrate National Farmers Market Week than to buy North Dakota grown or raised products directly from the farmer or rancher,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “It’s a great time to discover what’s in season in North Dakota, and support our farmers and ranchers.”

Nearly 20 vendors from across the state will participate in the market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the top of the Capitol loop on the south lawn.

Morning Joy Farm & Kitchen and Fireflour Pizza will sell lunches featuring locally-produced foods from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Free ice cream will be served from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The free, public event is sponsored by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA), the Council of State Employees and the North Dakota Farmers Market and Growers Association, as part of a nationwide weeklong celebration of farmers markets.

“National Farmers Market Week recognizes the growing importance and awareness of farmers markets across the nation,” Goehring said. “The U.S. now has more than 8,500 farmers markets offering farm-fresh and affordable products. North Dakota has about 50 farmers markets.”

Goehring said the NDDA supports farmers markets, food co-ops, community-supported agriculture (CSAs), community orchards, roadside stands and pick-your-own gardens in the state. Most of these are listed in the Local Foods Directory, published by NDDA and available by calling 328-2231 or (800) 242-7535, emailing ndda@nd.gov or online at https://www.nd.gov/ndda/files/resource/2016LFDirectoryComp.pdf.

–NDDA