Sept. 12-Stuart Farmers Market was recently voted as 14 of 20 leading farmers markets across the nation vying for the title of America’s Favorite Farmers Market in the boutique category.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 12, 2011 For more information contact: Town of Stuart, 694-3811 Stuart Farmers Market Named as one of Top 20 Favorite Farmers Markets in America’s Favorite Farmer’s Markets™ Contest Stuart Farmers Market was recently voted as 14 of 20 leading farmers markets across the nation vying for the title of America’s Favorite Farmers Market in the boutique category. In this year’s contest more than 90,000 farmers market shoppers voted for more than 1,700 participating farmers markets in American Farmland Trust’s third annual contest. Stuart Farmers Market, 320 Chestnut Street, Downtown Stuart, Fridays 8am to noon. The Stuart Farmers Market received 137 votes from supportive shoppers. Here is what one voter for the Stuart Farmers Market had to say about why it should be named one of America’s Favorite Farmers Markets: “For a small community, there is a wide variety of produce, baked goods, meats and crafts. All the vendors are friendly and remember you from year to year.� ~ Linda According to the recent release of the updated U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s farmers market directory, the number of farmers markets across the nation increased by 17 percent between 2010 and 2011. Support for farmers markets helps to provide income opportunities for farmers. The rising interest for local food from nearby farms highlights the value of protecting farmland to meet demand. The America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest is a part of American Farmland Trust’s No Farms No Food® campaign, which raises awareness of the dangers of farmland loss by making connections to food. Farms near metropolitan areas produce 91 percent of the nation’s market value of fruit, 78 percent of vegetables, and 67 percent of dairy products. To view the top 20 leader-boards or to vote in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest, visit www.farmland.org/vote.