Director of Agriculture Congratulates Webb City Farmers’ Market for Award on Opening Day

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Jon Hagler recently visited the Webb City Farmers’ Market to congratulate them on receiving the 2009 Market of the Year award and to discuss the importance of local foods and farmers’ markets to the state. The Webb City Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 10th year and recently expanded and improved its facility.

“The Webb City Farmers’ Markets sets an unprecedented example of how to maintain a successful market. The Webb City Farmers’ Market is meeting the consumer’s demand of high quality locally grown foods in a diversified marketplace,” said Dr. Hagler. “Farmers’ markets allow consumers to see where their food comes from. In doing so, farmers’ markets help reduce the economic distance between producers and consumers – placing a high quality product on consumer’s tables and more dollars in the producer’s pockets. It is a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.”

Over the past twelve years, there has been a significant increase in the number of farmers’ markets across the state. In 1997 there were 53 markets. Today there are over 158 markets in Missouri with average sales of $1000 per day.

“The Department of Agriculture has placed an increased emphasis on sustainability, stewardship and local foods,” said Dr. Hagler. “Missouri’s farmers markets embody that emphasis by providing consumers locally grown products.”

The Webb City Farmers’ Market will be open for the 2009 season offering fresh, locally grown products on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. (May-Oct.) and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 noon (June-Sept.).