Summer is in full swing, and farmers’ markets are exploding across the landscape with an abundance of farm fresh produce, meat and prepared foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s farmers’ market directory lists 8,472 markets across the country.

Markets range from a few stalls in the corner of a parking lot to large affairs featuring live music, special events and dozens of vendors.

No doubt, lots of shoppers think farmers’ markets are pretty cool.

The American Farmland Trust thinks they are pretty cool, too.

American Farmland Trust has been around for about 35 years, and operates under the mission to “Protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and keep farmers on the land.” The organization is the source of the “No farms, no food” bumper sticker you may have seen from time to time. And, American Farmland Trust works across the country to keep agricultural land producing food rather than housing developments.

The Trust recognizes that farmers’ markets are an important outlet to connect consumers with small farmers and ranchers and to help those growers earn a living from the land.

That’s why American Farmland Trust has sponsored a contest each of the past several years to encourage folks to “elect” their favorite farmers’ market. If you have a farmers’ market that you think is special, just click here to cast your vote.   Balloting continues through Labor Day, but since this is National Farmers’ Market Week, there’s no time like now to support your favorite market.