The trust is an organization dedicated to conserving American farmland.
Lonny LeFever, president of the Champaign County Farmers Market, said a special ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 9, at the downtown market to present the award.
In all, more than 60,000 people voted for their favorite farmers market in the online competition. The Champaign County Farmers Market won first place in the small markets category, which includes 16 to 30 vendors.
Farmers markets in King George, Va., Falls Church Va., and Rochester, N.Y., won in other categories.
“We’re not a large market, but we’ve done something right if you can get that many votes,” LeFever said.
He noted several ways organizers have helped raise the profile of the local market. Along with low costs for vendors, LeFever said the price for food and other goods at the market are competitive with larger stores.
In addition, LeFever said organizers and vendors try to promote a family atmosphere that encourages residents to talk and ask questions. Often, vendors share recipes and cooking techniques with customers.
“Each customer is valued to us, and we made that clear all year long,” he said.
This year, LeFever and a few vendors also began working with the Ohio Proud Program to allow low-income customers to use Ohio Benefits Transfer Cards. The cards act as food stamps for low-income families.
“People that are struggling need good food as much as the next person does,” LeFever said.
He said support from the city was also crucial to make sure there was adequate space for the market.
Jane Kirchner, senior director of marketing and communication for the American Farmland Trust said in all, almost 1,300 farmers markets participated in the contest.
In the small market category won by the Champaign County market, there were 464 markets competing.
The Champaign County market won by just a few votes.
Kirchner said the Champaign County Farmers Market will receive free tote bags for their customers for winning the award.
In addition, they will receive free printing services from a company called igreenprint and free graphic design services from SQN Communications, a Virginia design firm.
“Our goal is to raise awareness of farmer’s markets and the farmers and farmland that make them possible,” Kirshner said.
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