It was during this time that more people in the U.S. began to recognize the value of farmers markets in providing access to local food, especially in urban areas. The celebration raises awareness of the importance of farmers markets as a hub for consumers to purchase directly from farmers, ranchers, and food producers in urban and rural areas, and everywhere in between. The AFMC is the only national ranking of America’s favorite markets, encouraging supporters to rally around their favorite local markets and the people who make them happen. The farmers market movement has helped foster the growth of micro farms in urban areas, especially ones that participate in farmers markets. Cheryl Austin has been working in the suburbs of Houston as market manager of the Kingwood Farmers Market since 2021.