U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and her Democratic colleague from California, Sen. Alex Padilla, introduced a bipartisan resolution earlier this week designating Aug. 2 through Aug. 8 as National Farmers Market Week in honor of the farmers and ranchers who supply fresh food to communities nationwide. Ernst says, “Agriculture is the heart of Iowa, and farmers markets make it easier for Iowans to buy fresh, locally grown food in communities across our state. I’m proud to lead a bipartisan resolution designating Aug. 2-8 as National Farmers Market Week to recognize the tireless work of our farmers, ranchers, and producers who put nutritious food on Americans’ tables every day.” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins also issued a proclamation recognizing the week, urging Americans to visit local markets. Many local communities host regular farmers markets during the summer.