April 30, 2009

**Media Advisory

Director of Agriculture Congratulates Webb City Farmers' Market on Market of the Year Award

WHAT:

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Dr. Jon Hagler will be at the Webb City Farmers’ Market to recognize the market as the 2009 Market of the Year. The Webb City Farmers’ Market also won the top prize for the Best Photo Award. The Market of the Year receives a $1000 case prize, a market banner proclaiming the award and personalized Market of the Year refrigerator magnets. The Missouri Market of the Year is sponsored the Missouri Farmers’ Market Association and AgriMissouri – a program of the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

In addition to the award presentation, the Webb City Farmers’ Market is celebrating their 10th anniversary with an expanded and improved facility.

WHEN: 

Friday, May 1, 2009
10:45 a.m. – Award presentation
11 a.m. – Market opens for the season

WHERE:

Webb City Farmers’ Market
King Jack Park – under the pavilion
555 South Main,
Webb City, MO
Webb City map

WHY: The demand for fresh and local products by consumers is high across Missouri. There has been a significant increase in the number of farmers’ markets across the state over the past ten years. In 1997 there were 53 markets. Today there are 158 markets in Missouri. Average sales per day at farmers’ markets top $1000 with an average of 1,000 visitors.
CONTACT:

For more information regarding the Missouri Department of Agriculture, contact Misti Preston at (573) 751-8596 or Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov For more information regarding the Webb City Farmers’ Market, contact Eileen Nichols at (417) 673-5866 or eileennichols@sbcglobal.net.

** If you plan to cover this event, please email Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov.