U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins officially kicked off the inaugural Great American Farmers Market Aug. 3 on the National Mall with an evening of festivities honoring America’s farmers, freedom and 250 years of agricultural heritage.
Sunday’s programming was themed “America Grows: 250 Years of Liberty and Agriculture” and kicked off with the Ag Fest Concert, featuring performances by Mary Millben, the U.S. Navy Band, Boiled Jam and headliners Big & Rich, according to a news release. Special appearances included Rollins and Kelly Loeffler, small business administrator.
“Yesterday we launched the inaugural Great American Farmers Market to honor our agricultural heritage and stand shoulder to shoulder with today’s producers who continue in that tradition to feed and fuel our nation,” Rollins says. “President Trump is the most pro-farmer president of our lifetime, and through his leadership, we are supporting farmers through unprecedented new international market access, lowering taxes and boosting the farm safety net. Sunday was an incredible celebration of freedom, faith and the families that built this country. Thank you to my friend and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler for joining us for the kickoff celebration, as well as the talented musical artists Mary Millben, the U.S. Navy Band, Boiled Jam and headliners Big & Rich.”
Events continue throughout the week of Aug. 3–8 from 4–8 p.m. ET daily.
“In the spirit of National Farmers Market week,” the release says, “we encourage everyone around the country to visit their local farmers market.”
USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service connects consumers to producers at over 8,600 farmers markets nationwide through the National Farmers Market Directory at usdalocalfoodportal.com.
For updates and full programming details, please visit: usda.gov/gafm.
