August 5, 2008
Contact:
Lisa Taylor
Director of Communications
Kansas Department of Agriculture
(785) 296-2653
ltaylor@kda.state.ks.us
Ag secretary challenges Kansans to eat more locally grown foods during farmers’ market month
Media Availability: Secretary Adrian Polansky will be at the Capitol Midweek Farmers' Market from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 6. The market is on the south side of the Statehouse grounds in downtown Topeka.
TOPEKA - Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky is challenging Kansans to eat more locally grown foods during August in support of Kansas farmers' market month.
"Kansans have a wide array of locally grown foods to choose from at our farmers' markets from spring through fall," Polansky said. "During August, Kansas Farmers' Market month, I encourage more Kansans to take greater advantage of these abundant, fresh, locally grown foods."
Polansky issued his challenge in coordination with Governor Kathleen Sebelius' signing a proclamation to declare August Kansas Farmers' Market month, noting that the markets serve as an integral link between urban, suburban and rural communities and give farmers and consumers an opportunity to interact.
"Farmers' markets have become an important venue for many of our small- and medium-sized farming operations," Polansky said. "By selling directly to the consumer, farmers can realize a higher return for their products than if they were working through a wholesale market. Plus, local farmers spend their money with local merchants, so that money stays where it benefits everyone and helps build a stronger local economy."
The popularity of Kansas farmers' markets is evidenced by their growth in number statewide, from 26 markets in 1987 to 79 markets in 2008. A steadily increasing consumer interest in fresh farm products is driving that growth.
"Health-conscious consumers are shopping at farmers' markets in search fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, typically sold within 24 hours of being harvested," Polansky said. "Produce picked and eaten at the height of ripeness has exceptional flavor and, when handled properly, is packed with nutrients."
Polansky also noted that consumers can reduce their carbon footprint by choosing locally grown foods.
"In our current global market, some fruits and vegetables travel up to 1,500 miles to get to your local grocery store," Polansky said. "Seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally travel only a short distance between the farm field and the farm market, so much less fuel is consumed. That's a real plus at a time when rising fuel prices are having a profound impact on the price of food and we are looking for ways to take better care of our environment."
Polansky said consumers can find an up-to-date list of farmers' markets in Kansas at 
www.oznet.ksu.edu/farmersmarkets/.