Did you hear the bells ringing? At the August 2 City Council Meeting, Councilmember Sarah Nelson presented a proclamation announcing August 7-13, 2022 as Farmers Market Week in the City of Seattle!

Farmers markets are more than just an iconic summer hang. They are safe, outdoor spaces for culturally relevant foods, business incubators, contributors to farmland preservation, and hubs of sustainable action for a healthier planet.

The proclamation was a collaboration of the Neighborhood Farmers Markets, the Queen Anne Farmers Market, the Delridge Farmers Market, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Farmers Market Association. These five organizations organize over 17 farmers markets in Seattle. They work collaboratively throughout the year on promotion, vendor relations, permits, and advocacy efforts. Together, these markets facilitated over $18 million in local food from the farm to the plate, creating a stronger and more resilient food system for everyone in our region.

The full text of the proclamation highlights just a few of the collective accomplishments:

A proclamation by the Seattle City council honoring Seattle farmers market week

August 7th to August 13th, 2022

WHEREAS, Seattle has a long history of Farmers Markets that provide citizens with access to healthful, locally and regionally produced foods from farmers and producers and have expanded and evolved to accommodate the demand for a diverse array of agricultural products; and

WHEREAS, more than 17 Farmers Markets including Delridge, Columbia City, Pike Place, Capitol Hill, First Hill, South Lake Union, City Hall, West Seattle, Queen Anne, Madrona, Wallingford, Magnolia, Ballard, Regrade, Phinney, University District and Lake City provide infrastructure to assist in the distribution of farm and value-added products, thereby contributing more than $18.5 million to the local economy last year; and

WHEREAS Farmers Markets serve as significant outlets by which small-to-medium, new and veteran, BIPOC and immigrant agricultural producers market Washington-grown products, generate income that supports the sustainability of small farms and the vitality of both urban and rural communities; and 

WHEREAS, Farmers Markets have been an important strategy for King County to expand and sustain agricultural marketing opportunities that assist and encourage the next generation of producers, stimulate business development and job creation, and build our community food system; and

WHEREAS, through community partnerships and programs to widen access for low-income residents, and through City support for the Fresh Bucks fresh produce incentive program, Farmers Markets provided more than $1.2 million in local food to historically underserved households in 2021; and

WHEREAS, in 2009 the City of Seattle and Office of Economic Development recognized the threat of widespread development to Farmers Market locations and lowered barriers for regular and reoccurring Farmers Markets to utilize public streets and property; and  

WHEREAS, five committed community organizations including the Pike Place Market Preservation & Development Authority, the Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance, Seattle Farmers Market Association, the Queen Anne Farmers Market, and African Community Housing & Development have provided leadership and advocacy to further the mission and public benefits of Farmers Markets in Seattle; and

WHEREAS, Seattle residents have prioritized a commitment to strengthening our local food system by shopping at Farmers Markets and clock more than 1 million visits to markets annually; and  

WHEREAS, August 7th through 13th is the observance of National Farmers Market Week in the United States, and to further awareness of Farmers Markets contributions to the City of Seattle’s life and well-being

NOW, THEREFORE, the Seattle City Council hereby proclaims August 7th to 13th, 2022 as

Seattle Farmers Market Week