ENFIELD, Conn. — In honor of National Farmers’ Market Week, Farm Credit East recently contributed $25,000 in small grants to 86 farmers’ markets across the Northeast. Farm Credit East recognizes that farmers’ markets are an important channel for many of the region’s producers to distribute farm fresh produce to both rural and urban consumers, especially in the summer months when fresh produce is in season.
The recipient farmers’ markets will use grant funding to support participating farmers, complete market enhancements or to support marketing efforts. Many markets will also use funds to improve access to fresh, local food for those in underserved communities via programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
To celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week, taking place August 4-10, Farm Credit East encourages everyone to show their support of agricultural businesses by buying produce from local farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
For a list of resources to find locations in your area, visit Farm Credit East’s Farm Fresh Guide at FarmCreditEast.com/FarmFreshGuide. The guide covers Farm Credit East’s seven-state territory of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
Farm Credit East extends more than $7.0 billion in loans and has 20 local offices in its seven-state service area. In addition to loans and leases, the organization also offers a full range of agriculturally specific financial services for businesses related to farming, forest products and commercial fishing. Farm Credit East is governed by a 16-person board of directors. For more information, visit FarmCreditEast.com.
–Farm Credit East