Fresh produce fills farmers markets throughout King County

Celebrate the bounty of Washington Farmers Market Week, Aug. 3-9

The tastes of summer – farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, locally raised meat and much more – are as close as your local farmers market. And with 33 across King County and more than 125 farmers markets across Washington, there’s a great chance that a farmers market is close by, making it easy for residents to celebrate Farmers Market Week, Aug. 3-9.

Governor Chris Gregoire made the week’s declaration as a way of honoring Washington farmers and farms, which produce their largest variety of fruits and vegetables of the year in the month of August, including a great assortment of berries, early ripening varieties of apples and pears, plus corn, peppers and greens.

Shoppers across Washington are encouraged to “take the challenge” and see how much of their food dollars they can spend at their local farmers market. Many markets will feature special attractions during the week, including chef demonstrations using fresh produce.

King County farmers also raise pork, beef and chicken, and fashion their own artisan cheese and other dairy products that can be matched with fresh produce to make a great meal.

“Farmers markets provide the best selection of locally grown foods all in one place, and they offer the farmer the highest return on the fruits of their labors,” said King County Executive Ron Sims.

“Buying locally produced food supports King County’s agricultural community, which in turn supports the local economy. With almost 60,000 acres of farmlands, King County farmers continue to play a vital role in supplying local markets with fresh, healthy items,” Sims said.

For a list of farmers markets and farms in King County, including U-pick farms, organic products, recipes and more, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org, on the Internet, or call 206-632-0606. For a list of farmers markets across the state, or to learn more about the Washington State Farmers Market Association shopper challenge, visit http://www.wafarmersmarkets.com/washingtonfarmersmarketweek.html