(HOBOKEN) – New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher and U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service Mid-Atlantic Region office representatives marked Farmers Market Week on Tuesday, August 8 with a visit to the Hoboken Farmers Market.

Governor Chris Christie proclaimed August 6 through 12, 2017 as Farmers Market Week in New Jersey. The USDA, likewise, proclaimed the week National Farmers Market Week to remind consumers to visit these markets this summer and fall.

“We are at the peak of the season right now so farmers markets have a wide variety of just-picked Jersey Fresh fruits and vegetables available,” Secretary Fisher said. “Farmers markets, like the Hoboken market, are great places to meet the farmers who grow our food and visit with neighbors. They also provide important programs to help those in need purchase nutritious, wholesome local produce.”

There are approximately 140 community farmers markets in the state.  Farmers who attend these markets sell produce they’ve picked at the peak of ripeness within 24 hours of sale to ensure the best taste and highest quality. 

The Hoboken Farmers Market is in its 20th season and is located at 4^th and Garden Streets from 2 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday through November 21. There are more than a dozen vendors, including three farmers and a variety of other food-related booths. Market co-founder David Calamoneri said the market has attracted businesses and residents to the surrounding area.

“This market has become a traditional and important shopping stop in our community,” Calamoneri said. “Two of our farmers have been with us since we started 20 years ago. It means a lot to the customers to know they have a reliable source for high quality fresh fruits and vegetables.” 

Eating Jersey Fresh fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products can go a long way to improving overall health. Eating locally also is a good choice for protecting our environment by reducing the miles a meal travels between farm and fork, lessening fuel consumption. In addition, choosing locally grown products helps keep New Jersey farmers on their land, preserving the Garden State’s quality of life.

 ####

 To learn more about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NJDeptofAgriculture and www.facebook.com/JerseyFreshOfficial or Twitter @NJDA1 and @JerseyFreshNJDA.