American Farmland Trust announced the winners of the 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration™, a national event honoring the role of farmers markets that ran between June 1 through July 31, 2024. Markets receiving the most public votes are declared the national winners. The celebration also recognizes top markets in five regions nationwide and in all 50 states.
More than 1,500 markets nationwide participated in the 2024 celebration with over 97,000 votes. New in 2024, AFT staffed 18 markets nationwide — see more highlights from AFT’s Midwest team at the Kansas City Farmers Market here and AFT Scientist and president of a Kentucky farmers market, Aysha Tapp Ross, here.
“America’s farmers markets serve as anchors of communities from coast to coast, providing access to fresh, healthy food and helping communities develop relationships directly with farmers,” said John Piotti, American Farmland Trust President and CEO. “Once again, this year, AFT is proud of the value the celebration lends to the nation’s farmers markets, helping them secure new sponsorships, vendors, and shoppers. On behalf of everyone at American Farmland Trust, congratulations to all the national, regional, and state winners.”
Since 2008, the celebration has highlighted the key role farmers markets play in American communities and our larger food system. Farmers markets are on the leading edge of educating consumers about where food comes from and reinforce AFT’s message of No Farms No Food®. They foster direct relationships between community members and farmers to help create a more fair, sustainable and just food system. Participating in the Celebration is a way for people to come together and support their communities and local food producers.
National winners
National winners are awarded $5,000 for first, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third, $750 for fourth, and $250 for fifth. These funds are awarded to markets for marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact.
First: Mount Washington Farmers Market
Mount Washington, Ky. — Awarded $5,000
“The City of Mt. Washington is extremely proud and honored for our Farmers Market to be voted #1 in the nation. Winning means the opportunity to expand our market with the help of the money and recognition we will be receiving,” said Erica Mercer, Market Manager, Mount Washington Farmers Market “Our team works tirelessly to get our community involved with our Farmers Market which directly helps to support our local farmers. We are eager to see what our future holds.”
Second: McKinney Farmers Market
McKinney, Tex. — Awarded $2,500
“The McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square Heritage Village is honored to receive the #1 Farmers Market in Texas and the Southwest as well as 2nd in the nation. We love and cherish our community and the Farmers Market is a beautiful reflection of what brings us together,” said DeAnna Stone, Executive Director of McKinney Farmers Market. “Every Saturday thousands of people come together to celebrate buying locally, honoring our vendors, and showcasing that all are welcome in beautiful downtown historic McKinney. Thank you for this amazing honor, it is one we hold with tremendous pride and share with the amazing individuals who pour their hearts into making the McKinney Farmers Market a success each week.”
Third: Midtown Farmers Market
Sacramento, Cal. — Awarded $1,500
“We’re incredibly honored our community has voted the Midtown Farmers Market as No. 1 in California and No. 3 in the nation. Taking the top spot is especially rewarding for our dedicated staff who are passionate and work so hard to make it happen every week,” said Emily Baime Michaels, Executive Director of Midtown Association. “Ever evolving, our Midtown Farmers Market has its own unique vibe due to all the amazing farmers, talented creatives, culinary artists, and imaginative and innovative vendors who show up and share their offerings with a community hungry to experience and enjoy every Saturday, year-round.”
Fourth: Brookfield Farmers Market
Brookfield, Ill. — Awarded $750
“We are overjoyed and immensely grateful for the recognition our local market has received through your esteemed awards. This honor is not only a nod to our market’s vibrant presence but also shines a light on the incredible support we’ve garnered from our community over the past seventeen years,” said Gina Sharenow, Market Manager, Brookfield Farmers Market. “Our growth and success are testaments to the dedication of our local farmers, artisans, bakers, and vendors, and the unwavering support of our patrons. Thank you, American Farmland Trust for providing a platform that celebrates and uplifts our collective efforts.”
Fifth: Troy Farmers Market
Troy, N.Y. — Awarded $250
“The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is excited to have received recognition in America’s Farmers Market Celebration. Now in our 25th season, the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market is a producer-only market with more than 100 vendors that operates every Saturday, year round,” said Melanie O’Malley, President, Troy Waterfront Farmers Market. “In the summer, we create a bustling open air, car-free, urban street market that sprawls throughout six historic city blocks that you may recognize as the filming location for HBO’s The Gilded Age. In the winter, we move indoors and continue to provide the community with fresh locally produced food. We thank our local community for supporting us and we hope this recognition will inspire even more people to come for a visit.”
Regional and state winners
Full winning regional and state markets can be viewed here.