Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) has joined Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) in introducing a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to designate August 3 through August 9, 2025, as National Farmers Market Week. The resolution aims to highlight the role of farmers markets in connecting urban and rural communities.
Valadao emphasized the importance of Central Valley agriculture, stating, “The Central Valley grows a quarter of our nation’s food on less than one percent of our countries farmland, but too often, people in urban areas don’t realize the effort it takes to get food from field to table. Farmers markets are a great way to bridge that gap by giving producers a chance to sell directly to consumers, providing families with access to fresh, locally grown food, and helping educate people about the importance of American agriculture. I’m proud to recognize National Farmers Market Week and celebrate the many contributions of CA-22’s farmers and vendors.”
Pingree also spoke about her experience as a farmer: “As a longtime farmer, I cherish farmers market days—whether I’m buying delicious Maine-grown wild blueberries and veggies, or catching up with members of our hardworking agricultural community. But farmers markets are much more than a fun family outing. They support hundreds of Maine farmers and small businesses, boost our local economies, and play a vital role in our nation’s food system—helping people of all incomes access healthy, locally-grown food. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to honor and recognize the importance of farmers markets, and will continue working with my colleagues in the House—on both sides of the aisle—to pass legislation that supports and empowers our nation’s farmers.”
Senator Padilla noted California’s significant number of farmers markets: “We should all take time to celebrate National Farmers Market Week and support our local farmers, who feed our families and bring us together every week at farmers market stalls. Our farmers markets nourish our neighborhoods, strengthen our local economies, and bring consumers closer to the farmers who feed them. California and our more than 700 farmers markets will continue to cherish these spaces as a source of nutrition and community.”
Senator Ernst added: “Iowans take a lot of pride in agriculture, and our farmers markets make access to farm fresh and locally sourced food even easier. This year, I’m proud to once again lead the bipartisan resolution to designate August third through ninth as National Farmers Market Week, which is especially meaningful with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ Great American Farmers Market event happening on the National Mall. It’s great to see the Trump administration honor the heart of our nation: agriculture.”
David Valadao has represented California’s 22nd district in Congress since 2021 after replacing TJ Cox. He previously served in the California State Assembly from 2010 until 2012. Born in Hanford in 1977, Valadao continues to reside there.
The full text of the resolution can be read here.
