Spend your mid-day this Saturday celebrating at the Virginia Beach Farmers Market. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 3, “Buy Fresh Buy Local” Hampton Roads representatives will provide samples of delicious local fall products and provide a free, new fall/winter Product Guide. Listen to live music, shop from farm fresh food displays, and find your favorite fall vegetable during free garden tours, and more.

Virginia Department of Agriculture Services Commissioner Todd P. Haymore said, “Buying local means shoppers enjoy fresh, delicious food, farmers have a thriving market for their products and the regional economy benefits from the increased business.” The premise is that locally grown food is safer, fresher and tastier.

“Buy Fresh Buy Local” is a national non-profit group that promotes locally grown and produced products. The Hampton Roads Chapter was chartered in summer 2008 with the goal of connecting consumers to farmers and fishermen who raise and harvest food, markets that sell the food and restaurants that serve local food.

Supporting local farms helps preserve open spaces, keeps money in the local economy, enhances the area as a tourist destination and upholds the region’s long standing tradition of producing fine food. Supporting locally grown food protects the environment by reducing the energy costs associated with importing food.

For more information, please call Melvin Atkinson, Rural Community Coordinator, Virginia Beach Department of Agriculture or e-mail matkinso@vbgov.com.

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