By Jamie Martin
American-grown Christmas trees, farm-fresh foods, specialty meats and value-added agricultural products will be in the spotlight as the U.S. Department of Agriculture brings its Great American Christmas Market to Washington, D.C.
The two-day event on the National Mall will feature farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers and artisans from across the country, giving visitors an opportunity to shop for U.S.-grown and U.S.-made products while supporting rural businesses.
USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins said the event is designed to recognize the role agriculture plays in many of the traditions Americans associate with Christmas.
“Agriculture touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and nowhere is that more evident than during the Christmas season,” Rollins said.
Christmas trees and wreaths, holiday meals and specialty food gifts all provide examples of how agricultural products become part of seasonal celebrations.
American Farms Supply Christmas Traditions
The Great American Christmas Market will bring several segments of U.S. agriculture together in one location.
Christmas tree growers will offer fresh trees, wreaths, garlands and mini trees, while other agricultural vendors will feature seasonal produce, artisan cheeses and specialty foods for holiday meals and entertaining.
Honey, preserves, lavender products and baked goods are among the value-added products expected to be available.
American ranchers will also be represented through premium meats and other specialty products.
Along with shopping, the market will feature Christmas caroling and other holiday entertainment.
For USDA, encouraging consumers to seek out American-grown and American-made products provides a way to connect holiday purchasing decisions with the farmers, ranchers and rural businesses producing those goods.
“From the Christmas trees and wreaths in our homes, to the meals shared around family tables, to the thoughtful gifts crafted by American producers, agriculture is woven into our most cherished holiday traditions,” Rollins said.
Holiday Market Offers Opportunity for Farm Businesses
The event also highlights the diversity of products and revenue opportunities available to farms beyond traditional commodity markets.
Value-added foods, direct-to-consumer meat sales, Christmas trees, honey, preserves and other farm products can allow producers to sell directly to consumers and differentiate their businesses.
For smaller farms and rural entrepreneurs in particular, the holiday season can provide opportunities to reach customers looking for locally or domestically produced food and gifts.
Farm stores, Christmas tree operations, farmers markets, agritourism businesses and online farm retailers can all tap into consumer interest in knowing where products come from and supporting domestic producers.
USDA is using the Great American Christmas Market to reinforce that connection between consumers and producers.
“The Great American Christmas Market is a celebration of the hardworking men and women who make those traditions possible and an opportunity for Americans to support the people and products that embody the spirit of Christmas and the strength of rural America,” Rollins said.
Final USDA Event for America's 250th Celebration
The Great American Christmas Market will conclude USDA's year-long participation in activities commemorating America's 250th anniversary.
The department previously held the Great American State Fair and Great American Farmers Market as part of the anniversary celebration.
Rollins will officially open the Christmas market and recognize participating farmers, ranchers, producers and partners.
While the festivities will take place in Washington, the agricultural message extends well beyond the National Mall.
Choosing an American-grown Christmas tree, putting U.S.-raised meat on the holiday table or giving a farm-produced item as a gift provides consumers with a direct way to support the producers and rural businesses behind many of the country's Christmas traditions.
Photo Credit: getty-images-depthoffield
Categories: National