III 118th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 324 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES July 27, 2023 Mr. Padilla (for himself and Ms. Ernst ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week of August 6 through August 12, 2023, as National Farmers Market Week .

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 Agricultural 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

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.