There are more than 230 farmers markets across Iowa and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is hoping four new postage stamps will help keep those farmers markets on people’s minds.
“A lot of folks have talked about the benefits of farmers markets and that’s certainly true. This postage stamp will give us the opportunity to focus on those benefits,” Vilsack said at a recent ceremony at a farmers market near the White House to celebrate the release of the new stamps.
The former Iowa governor said the stamps have been released at a great time, as farmers markets are very popular these days. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in farmers markets across the United States, a 76-percent increase,” Vilsack said. “Today, we have over 8,268 markets throughout the United States.” The artist who created the stamps is Robin Moline of Lakeland, Minnesota.
The stamps feature images of fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, baked goods, and cut flowers. “They show some of what you can get there and the freshness and the spirit of the market,” Moline said. “They’re a community gathering spot. They’re a wonderful place to get good, fresh food, and you get to meet your farmers.”
A recent survey found Iowa had about $38 million worth of direct sales at farmers markets, creating an impact of $71 million on the state’s economy.
Find a directory of Iowa farmers markets here:www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/Iowa.htm
Stamp photos courtesy of U.S.D.A.