HomeMy WebLinkAboutPROCLAMATION re Farmers Market Week Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: August 4,2025
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming August 3-9,2025 as National Farmers
Market Week
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
Jefferson County Farmers Market has two vibrant markets in Jefferson County, Washington. The
Port Townsend Farmers Market operates Saturdays from April to mid-December at the 600 Block
of Tyler Street, and the Chimacum Farmers Market operates Sundays,June through October, at
the Chimacum Corner Farm Stand.
Between the two markets,there are more than 100 vendors offering products like fresh produce,
pasture-raised meat,eggs, fish, artisan prepared food and arts and crafts.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
We recommend the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners support local farmers
markets by proclaiming the week of August 3-9, 2025 as National Farmers Market Week.
REVIEWED BY:
p,. ' 1.4c�!/, 7/30/2025
J•sh D. Peters, County Administrator Date
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets
coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, a membership-based nonprofit organization that
supports farmers markets nationwide through training,technical assistance, and network-building; and
WHEREAS, farmers markets foster direct relationships between community members and
farmers, which can work to create a fairer and sustainable food system. Farmers markets are a hub for
connection and collective action around shared values; and
WHEREAS the Jefferson County Farmers Market(JCFM)joins markets across the country in
celebrating National Farmers Market Week; and
WHEREAS, the Port Townsend Farmers Market(PTFM) began in 1992 and celebrates its 33"'
season this year. The Chimacum Farmers Market(CFM) was founded in 2008 by the Chimacum
Grange and was adopted in 2010 by JCFM, the small nonprofit organization that hosts both Jefferson
County farmers markets. Together, JCFM hosts over 100 farms, artisan food, arts, and nonprofit
vendors between its two markets, supporting small local businesses in generating $1.79 million in
annual sales last year with a ripple-out economic impact of approximately $5.37 million for our local
economy.
WHEREAS, vendors offer a diversity of products from seasonal fruits and veggies to pasture-
raised meat, bread, bakery items, hard cider, wine, goat cheese, prepared food, as well as a wide
variety of arts. Jefferson County Farmers Markets are unique in that they feature truly local food and
arts arriving to the market from producers located no more than 30 miles away. Most JCFM vendors
are from Jefferson County, with a handful of vendors from directly adjoining counties; and
WHEREAS, local food production leads to greater resilience in food security and a reduction
of the carbon footprint for our food supply. Furthermore, our local farmers markets make locally
produced food available to people of all incomes through their food assistance programs. These
programs served about 1,200 community members with low incomes last year, supporting our friends
and neighbors in bringing home $126K in farm fresh and local food. Farmers Markets are abundant
sources of food, connection, and artistry in our community and those across the country; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson County, Washington strives to ensure all of our residents have access to
healthy, local food regardless of income;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Proclaim August
3-9, 2025;
NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Board of Commissioners encourage all residents
and visitors alike to join them in celebrating National Farmers Market Week.
PROCLAIMED this 4th day of August, 2025.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SEAL:
Heidi Eisenhour, Chair
ATTEST: Heather Dudley-Nollette, Member
Carolyn Gallaway, CMC, Clerk of the Board Greg Brotherton, Member