BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA A PROCLAMATION FARMERS MARKET WEEK WHEREAS: Farmers markets are vital channels for agricultural producers statewide, providing them with numerous marketing opportunities; and WHEREAS: More than 180 farmers markets in Georgia offer convenient access to fresh foods and the opportunity to purchase directly from the farmer. The United States Department of Agriculture also recognizes and encourages these community platforms for agricultural goods; and WHEREAS: The economic impacts of Georgia's farmers markets include not only direct benefits to farmers and local business owners, but also indirect benefits to the community; and WHEREAS: Community-based farmers markets generated 30 million dollars last year in revenue and directly provided numerous jobs for Georgians; and WHEREAS: Georgia has a proud agricultural history and heritage. Local farmers markets exemplify the benefits provided by our farmers and the produce that they grow; now THEREFORE: I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim june 22-28, 2014, as FARMERS MARKET WEEK in Georgia. In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 13th day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen.