HONORING DAVIS FARMERS MARKET

On 2026-08-03, Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA-4) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING DAVIS FARMERS MARKET" in the House.

HONORING DAVIS FARMERS MARKET

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 126 (Monday, August 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E758] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DAVIS FARMERS MARKET ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Monday, August 3, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor the Davis Farmers Market, a leader in local agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The Davis Farmers Market was founded in 1976 by University of California graduates Ann Evans, Martin Barnes, Annie Main, and Henry Esbenshade. While the farmers market began with a small group of vendors in Davis's Central Park, it quickly became a pioneer in California's direct-to-consumer agriculture industry, becoming the first Certified Farmers Market in the state in 1977. In 1994, the opening of the permanent Farmers Market Pavillion made the Davis Farmers Market the first structure of its kind in California. Since its early years, the Davis Farmers Market has become a vibrant gathering place and essential Davis institution, connecting farmers and consumers while improving access to fresh, locally grown food. The Market launched community-centered programs such as a live music series, farm-to-school initiatives, hospital-based farmers markets, and the University of California Davis campus market. The Davis Farmers Market has significantly contributed to the economic viability of small and regional farms, providing direct marketing opportunities and promoting sustainable agricultural practices and food education. It attracts over 500,000 visitors annually across its weekly markets, serving as a major economic and social hub for the region and supporting hundreds of farmers and vendors from numerous California counties. The Davis Farmers Market is widely recognized as a national leader in the farmers market movement. In recognition of its community significance, the Davis Farmers Market was named ``America's Favorite Farmer's Market'' by the American Farmland Trust in 2009 and has received numerous other local and regional accolades for its variety and leadership. The Davis Farmers Market's longevity and service as a model of community-centered food systems are celebrated today on its 50th anniversary. Today, the market celebrates with garden focused activities for children, live music, raffles, and photo booths along with the Saturday Farmers Market and the publication of a commemorative cookbook earlier this year. Mr. Speaker, we thank the Davis Farmers Market for its five decades of dedication to supporting local food producers, environmental stewardship, education, and community connection. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor it here today. ____________________