by Sarah Chenevert
Sarah Chenevert, daughter of Don and Elizabeth who run in Dunlap, Illinois (French: topographic for someone who lived ‘by the green oak’, from Old French chesne ‘oak’ (see Chene) + vert ‘green’) asked that we share it for use on your websites or in your newsletters.
From ripe fruits and vegetables, to hot, fresh bread, to fresh cut flowers and herbs, there is one group to thank . . . farmers! To celebrate the more than 8,000 farmers markets across the country, the United States Postal Service is issuing four Farmers Market postage stamps this summer.
The USPS first-day ceremony will occur at the Freshfarm Market near the White House in Washington, DC on August 7, 2014. The release of the Farmers Market stamps coincides with the United States Department of Agriculture’s “National Farmers Market Week” which occurs from August 3 through August 9 this year. Use of the stamps will promote awareness of the bounty of American agriculture and the high quality produce available at farmers markets in the United States.
To promote awareness of farming and local farmers markets, farmers and consumers should buy and use the stamps on their outgoing mail. Sheets of 20 Farmers Market stamps sell for $9.80 and will be available nationwide through local post offices and the USPS Stamp Fulfillment Services in Kansas City, Missouri.
The four stamps, designed by art director Greg Breeding and illustrated by Robin Moline form a panoramic view of a vendor’s stall at a local farmers market. The colorful, uniquely designed side-by-side or se-tenant stamps display the richness of America’s farmers markets. Starting from the left, the first stamp depicts a variety of homemade baked goods, fresh eggs and tawny, artisan cheeses. The next stamp depicts an assortment of perfectly arranged fruits and vegetables just waiting to be used in a garden fresh vegetable soup! Freshly-cut, eye-catching sunflowers dominate the next frame accented with bouquets of vibrant, colorful flowers. The last stamp contains an assortment of fresh herbs to enhance the flavor of any meal and potted plants to liven up home gardens.
People may ask, “Why should we support local farmers markets if we can buy produce at the grocery store?” Local farmers markets provide a venue for farmers to sell their high quality produce face-to-face with their customers. Because they are closer to the consumer, local producers provide fresher, more flavorful produce for their customers and minimize spoilage and the amount of fuel needed to bring their goods to market. In addition, farmers markets support small family farms, boost the local economy, create local business and employment opportunities and promote diverse, sustainable farming operations across the country.
By supporting your local farmers market, you can keep local farmers working the land and ensure that the next generation of Americans can enjoy locally grown fruits and vegetables. So I encourage you to shop at your local farmers market this week and tell your farmers how much you appreciate their good work and their produce.