WASHINGTON, April 4, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is launching its annual updating process for the USDA National Farmers Market Directory. The Directory is voluntary and relies on self-reported input from farmers market managers, representatives from state farmers market organizations, and other key market personnel. The Directory is one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date sources of information about farmers markets nation-wide. Market listings can be added and updated by going to www.usdadirectoryupdate.com.
"The USDA National Farmers Market Directory provides the public with convenient access to information about U.S. farmers market locations, directions, operating times, product offerings, and more." said Anne Alonzo, AMS Administrator. "Market managers can update their listing in less than 5 minutes. We hope that all managers will make sure their markets are included so that customers know where to find them."
The Farmers Market Directory API (Application Programming Interface) was released last year, giving app developers and designers direct access to the wealth of farmers market information housed in the online database. The API for mobile apps and websites give consumers even more access to local foods. The Directory is also part of the USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass which illustrates federal involvement in local food development across the country.
AMS urges all market managers to update their listings in time for the peak of farmers market season. Previously listed markets should be checked to be sure that all the information is current. In fact, market managers that were listed in the 2013 Directory with valid e-mail addresses are being contacted directly to update their market listings. Market managers who could not be reached by e-mail can search for their market listings and update their market information through the general web portal. Farmers markets not listed in the 2013 Directory can use the general portal to complete a blank listing form.
Directory entries that were submitted prior to April 4 will be published in the Directory by April 21. Entries submitted from April 5 through May 5 will be published in the Directory by May 19, and updates submitted from May 6 to June 23 will be published in the Directory by July 7. The complete directory will be released in time for National Farmers Market Week, during the first week of August.
Get the latest Agricultural Marketing Service news at www.ams.usda.gov/news or follow us on Twitter @USDA_AMS. You can also read about us on the USDA blog.
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