Inaugural event: First ever Great American Farmers Market celebrates past, present and future of American agriculture
The first-ever Great American Farmers Market (GAFM) was held Aug. 3-8 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Roughly 50 vendors representing 26 different states gathered in the nation’s capital to spend a week showcasing and selling their products.
The GAFM was a celebration of food, family and farming organized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in recognition of National Farmers Market Week and the America250 initiative.
National Farmers Market Week
Every year during the first full week of August, National Farmers Market Week recognizes the important roles farmers’ markets and local agriculture play in the American food system.
As stated by former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in a July 2024 proclamation issued in recognition of National Farmers Market Week, farmers’ markets play a vital role in providing access to fresh, locally-grown produce and other agricultural products which help support the health and well-being of American communities.
Farmers’ markets are vibrant spaces for education and community engagement where individuals can learn about food production and nutrition while contributing to their local economies, and they have risen dramatically in popularity over the past three decades, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in an Aug. 7 opinion piece for the Washington Examiner.
“Since 1994, the number of farmers’ markets in America has grown by almost 400 percent, with an average growth of seven percent per year,” Rollins writes. “More and more, American consumers want to know the farmers who tend the crops and herds that nourish our families.”
“Farmers’ markets are no longer a boutique accessory in big cities,” Rollins continues. “They run in all 50 states, in urban and rural areas and for customers of every economic background.”
America250 and the GAFM
In 2026, the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Leading up to this anniversary, an initiative called America250 is working to engage Americans in unique experiences to honor the heritage and founding of the U.S.
The GAFM placed a special emphasis on commemorating America250 by celebrating agriculture’s vital role in shaping the past, present and future of the nation.
“The farmers, ranchers and producers at the GAFM not only represent the legacy of American agriculture but also the future of an industry defined by faith, determination and hospitality,” Rollins states. “We have assembled this crowd as a national celebration of local products and as a testament to the self-sacrifice and patriotism which have been exhibited by American farming families for generations.”
In the article, Rollins also refers to agriculture as “America’s first industry” and mentions the Trump-Vance administration’s commitment to advancing agriculture in America.
“Agriculture, America’s first industry, deserves to be safeguarded by our leaders, and under the Trump-Vance administration, it is getting exactly this,” Rollins continues. “This is why the GAFM is so significant – it shows the partnership between our president, our farmers and the American people who look to both.”
GAFM highlights
From sourdough and salad ingredients to live music and movie screenings, there was something for everyone to enjoy at the inaugural GAFM.
Visitors to the daily market enjoyed a selection of fresh fruit, vegetables, baked goods and other agricultural products from a variety of vendors from all across the country.
In addition to the daily market, the week-long celebration featured a different theme each day with coinciding special guests, entertainment options and educational exhibits.
Highlights included cooking demonstrations, a classic tractor display, educational exhibits about dairy farming and food safety and live animals.
The GAFM kicked off on Aug. 3 with a celebration titled “America Grows: 250 Years of Liberty and Agriculture.” Opening day festivities included a kickoff concert headlined by Big and Rich and an opening address delivered by Rollins.
“Yesterday we launched the inaugural GAFM to honor our agricultural heritage and stand shoulder to shoulder with today’s producers who continue in the tradition to feed and fuel our nation,” states Rollins in an Aug. 4 USDA press release. “Sunday was an incredible celebration of freedom, faith and the families who built this country.”
The market continued with “Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Monday,” with a focus on nutrition and the benefits of fresh, minimally-processed foods like those found at farmers’ markets.
“MAHA Monday” featured a live cooking demonstration by Rollins and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. using ingredients sourced from GAFM vendors.
Next was “Faith and Fellowship Tuesday,” followed by “Forests and Firefighters: Protecting America’s Legacy Wednesday” and “America the Beautiful Thursday.”
The GAFM concluded with “Family and Farmer First Friday,” featuring kid-friendly activities including face painting and balloon animals in addition to the daily market. Friday concluded with a screening of “Charlotte’s Web” on the National Mall.
Although the GAFM has come to a close, USDA encourages Americans to continue patronizing local farmers’ markets throughout the season.
The USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory lists over 8,600 local farmers’ markets and can be viewed online at usdalocalfoodportal.com.
“Agriculture is not only America’s first industry but also a heritage and birthright for thousands of families across our nation,” states Rollins. “Never forget supporting local farmers is a patriotic act.”
Grace Skavdahl is the editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
