News Release - American Farmland Trust Presents Mayor Duffy, Public Market Staff with America’s Favorite Farmers Market Award

City of Rochester

News Release

(Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010) – American Farmland Trust’s New York Director David Haight presented Mayor Robert J. Duffy and the Rochester Public Market staff with the America’s Favorite Farmers Market award at a press conference today.  

Joining the Mayor were New York State Commissioner of Agriculture Patrick Hooker, City Council President Lovely Warren, Department of Recreation and Youth Services Commissioner Luis Burgos, Assistant Director of Recreation Jim Farr, Friends of the Market President Mary Lou Lawson and longtime farmer and Market vendor, Barrita Shanks.

“This win illuminates once again the deep pride Rochesterians show for their community,” Mayor Duffy said. “Our Public Market beautifully exudes the spirit and color of our dynamic and diverse community and the strength and potential of our local economy. This wonderful melting pot is a jewel of our city, and it’s shining extra brightly today.”

The Rochester Public Market captured the first-place finish in the 2010 national America’s Favorite Farmers Contest in the large market category last month. This annual contest, sponsored by the American Farmland Trust, is decided by on-line votes submitted by fans and friends of farmers markets nationwide. The Rochester Public Market won in a landslide, with 2,350 votes more than the second place finisher, Davis California – last year’s winner.

“We're excited to join in celebrating this win for Rochester in the America's Favorite Farmers Market contest," said David Haight, New York Director for the American Farmland Trust. “The Rochester Public Market exemplifies the important roles that farms and local food can play in New York’s economy and communities.”

The Rochester Public Market, which has operated at its 280 N. Union St. site for 105 years, is open 52 weeks a year on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. More than 40,000 people visit the Market each week. The Market is well known in Rochester for its wonderful family atmosphere and for providing quality local produce at affordable prices.

“This award is a reflection of the tremendous love and loyalty our community has for the Rochester Public Market,” said Jim Farr, who oversees Market operations. “This award belongs to the Market farmers and vendors, staff, volunteers, countless customers and 5,246 voters who brought this deserved distinction home to Rochester.”

After the speakers and presentations, the Public Market and Foodlink served up refreshments made from local, seasonal bounty to event attendees and market goers. 

Other farmers markets that placed in New York’s top five include the Saratoga Farmers Market, the Ithaca Farmers Market, Westside Farmers Market and the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market.

For more information about the America’s Favorite Farmers Market contest, go to www.farmland.org/vote.  For more information about the Rochester Public Market, go to www.cityofrochester.gov/publicmarket.

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News Media: For more information, contact Jim Farr at 428-6866; or Evan Lowenstein at 820-4068.