It’s National Farmers Market Week and Bridgeport Farmers Market President Debbie Workman couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to invite the state’s top agriculture official.

 

West Virginia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Walt Helmick will make a 10 a.m. Sunday appearance to launch a week-long observation based on a movement which has had a positive effect on the Mountain State.

 

"As we celebrate National Farmers Market week, it provides us another stage to again emphasize how important these locations are in hooking up West Virginians with their local farmers - to not only obtain fresh, healthy food, but to support the economy as well,” he said.

 

The USDA indicates that West Virginia consumes about $7.3 billion annually in food, yet the state produces just under $700 million, Commissioner Helmick said.

 

“We don't look at that as a negative, but as a positive — because it tells us very clearly that we have a $6 billion opportunity in agriculture,” he said. “As we hear more and more about the need to diversify our economy in West Virginia, agriculture clearly offers us a real, workable option."

 

Workman invited Helmick to Bridgeport and he gladly obliged to make the appearance before traveling on to the northern panhandle for a Sunday afternoon function.

 

“We are just so pleased that the West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture will be kicking off this nationally recognized week at the Bridgeport Farmers Market,” Workman said.  “This week celebrates farmers markets all over the country and the small farmers and producers as well.”

 

Workman encourages people to not only visit the BFM this week, but other markets too. 

 

“Any national event like this just brings more recognition to the importance of local foods in our communities and for our local economies,” she said.

 

National Farmers Market Week extends through Saturday, August 9.

 

Commissioner Helmick will be on hand 10 a.m. at the Bridgeport Farmers Market tent. The market will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at the Marketplace at Charles Pointe, offering seasonal produce, locally grown and raised proteins, organic items, baked goods, artisan wares and more.