The “America’s Favorite Farmers Markets” contest concluded on Aug. 31st when at the stroke of midnight (EST), the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market found itself dominantly placed as the number one market in New Mexico and 9th nationally for markets with more than 56 vendors.

The Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market had a total of 651 votes, placing it 551 votes ahead of the 2nd place winner within New Mexico – Santa Fe Farmers Market.  The Las Cruces market was also the only market within New Mexico to rank nationally in any one of the contest categories. In fact, the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market was only one vote shy of an 8th place tie with the Chattanooga Market in Tennessee. More information and complete rankings across the country can be found at www.farmland.org.

The Las Cruces Farmers & Market thanks the vendors, customers, and the Las Cruces community for helping achieve this milestone. The Market will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2011, and will be looking at new and exciting ways to advance everyone’s experiences and memories of the market.

The America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest is hosted each year by American Farmland Trust (AFT). The online contest is a nationwide challenge to see which of America’s farmers markets can rally the most support from their communities. The Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market expects to advance its rankings to number one in the nation next year with your continued support.

Farmers markets are a vital link between local farms and their supporting communities, providing fresh and healthy food and an experience that cannot be matched anywhere else. By partnering with farmers market managers, AFT encourages consumers to consider the importance of farmland and to support local farmers.

“Farmers markets are one of the best ways for consumers to support local farms and farmers,” says Julia Freedgood, Managing Director for AFT’s Growing Local Initiative. “A great way to find seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, farmers markets also support public health and economic development opportunities in our communities.”

The 2007 U.S. Agricultural Census reports a 49 percent growth in sales from farms directly to consumers since 2002—representing $1.2 billon that stayed in local communities.

But at the same time, more than 800,000 acres of farmland are developed each year – most around cities where there is the greatest demand for local food. “We need to make the connection: There’s no local food without local farms and farmland,” says Freedgood.

AFT is a national nonprofit organization working with farmers and ranchers to protect the land, produce a healthier environment, and build successful communities. As the nation’s leading advocate for farm and ranch land conservation, AFT has ensured that more than three million acres of land stay bountiful and productive. AFT’s national office is located in Washington, D.C. The phone number is 202-331-7300.

The Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market is open on Main Street Downtown Wednesday and Saturday mornings year round. For more information about the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market, please contact Eric Montgomery at 575-541-2288 or fcmarket@las-cruces.org.