Happy National Farmers’ Market Week!
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross joined local officials in celebrating the Davis Farmers’ Market 50th Celebration on Saturday.
“This incredible milestone is not just cause for celebration in this community, but for farmers’ markets across the state,” Secretary Ross said. “The Davis Farmers Market has set a standard for generations for how community and local food producers can come together to support one another and open new ways to access fresh, local and healthy food.”
The Davis Farmers’ Market Alliance’s mission is to educate and engage the public about nutrition, sustainable agriculture and the local economic benefits of buying food and locally sourced products directly from growers and artisans. The public can be assured that produce bought from the Davis Farmers’ Market is being sold by the farmer who grew it or the producer’s representative because it is certified by the CDFA Certified Farmers’ Market Program.
“When you make a purchase at a Certified Farmers Market, sale proceeds go directly to the farmer, providing critical support for small farms while enhancing access to fresh, local, healthy food. Farmers markets have also played an important role in expanding access to fruits and vegetables for food-insecure households through the California Nutrition Incentive Program, which matches funds for shoppers using nutrition benefits—such as CalFresh, WIC, and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program—to purchase California-grown fruits and vegetables,” said Secretary Ross.
“The intent of the Certified Farmers’ Market Program is to provide an alternative method for California producers to sell their products directly to consumers,” said CDFA Direct Marketing Manager Jennifer Leidolf, who supervises Certified Farmers’ Market inspectors. “Shopping at a Certified Farmers’ Market means there is a direct connection with you and the farmer and that the produce being offered for sale has been verified that it was grown by the farmer.”
Visit the CDFA Certified Farmers’ Market webpage to find the Certified Farmers’ Markets to visit by county. As National Farmers’ Market Week is August 2-8, 2026, an annual celebration highlighting the vital role farmers’ markets play in our nation’s food system, this is an especially great time to build relationships with locally grown food!
CDFA also recognizes Monterey Bay Certified Farmers’ Markets for celebrating 50 years of operation this year. The family of markets includes four vibrant markets in Aptos, Carmel and Monterey, each reflecting the unique character of its community as cherished regional institutions, deeply woven into the daily lives of farmers, families, chefs and visitors.