Agricultural Marketing Service

Taking Hack-tion for Food, Farmers and America

Code for America Brigade and AMS employees participate in the National Day of Civic Hacking

This past weekend, civic hackers across the country took action?or hack-tion?when they gathered together to use their coding, designing and tech-making powers for good. Armed with a passion for data and working under a framework that focused their energies on solving civic problems, over 11,000 individuals set out to make a difference at 95 different events in 83 cities and communities across the nation.

Open for Business: USDA Farmers Market Kicks Off New Season with a Bang

patrons enjoy a sunny afternoon at the USDA Farmers Market

As the USDA Farmers Market prepares to begin a new season, we invite everyone to come celebrate the richness and diversity of the market and the DC community that brings us all together. Whether you're a federal employee, a sight-seeing tourist, or a long-time resident, we are all a part of what makes DC unique. We all play a role in supporting the businesses and economy of the city and the region. You are guaranteed a fun time if you join us on June 7 for our market opening.

Picking a Winner - Tips and Insight to Selecting Seasonal Produce

A small smiling helper washes fresh apricots in the sink

As the cold, drab winter gives way to warmer temperatures and the crisp colors of spring, our longing for stews and other comfort foods ebbs, making way for some warm-weather favorites. Picnics, hiking and other outdoor activities heighten the appeal of lighter, fresh salad greens, fruits, and vegetables. From strawberries to broccoli, apricots to artichokes?-we offer a few tips to help you pick the best of the season?s offerings.

New API Helps Satisfy the Nation's App-etite for Farmers Markets

Farmers market patron sampling oranges while he talks to the vendor.

America is developing quite an app-etite. The number of U.S. smartphone owners is approaching 130 million, resulting in more and more demand for mobile access to our information. Combine that with the increase in consumers wanting access to fresh, local products, and it?s obvious why there?s such a high demand for the data in USDA?s National Farmers Market Directory.