The German Coast Farmers’ Market has been named Louisiana’s Favorite Farmers Market and ranked eighth in the United States for small markets by American Farmland Trust. More than 80,000 people across the country voted in this year’s America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest.

“Every one of the 1,700+ farmers markets enrolled in the contest helps ensure communities have nearby farms growing the delicious, fresh and local food we all crave,” said Gretchen Hoffman, American Farmland Trust manager of engagement and communications.

New to the 2011 contest, the top farmers market in each state will receive a prize package, which includes a special logo to use in promoting their farmers market and a supply of free promotional stickers.

“Winning the contest for the second consecutive year demonstrates our exceptional patron loyalty and their appreciation for our local, hard-working farmers and vendors,” commented Roxanne Fisher, GCFM P.R. coordinator. “The market board was humbled by the hundreds of patrons who took the time to comment on why they thought our market should win. The central theme of the comments further validated our mission to serve as a community gathering place and tourist destination while offering a wide range of fresh produce and fruit, value-added items, local entertainment and educational opportunities to our patrons.”

 The German Coast Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday at Ormond Plantation in Destrehan, 8 a.m.-noon and every Wednesday at St. Charles Plaza in Luling, 3-6 p.m.  For more information about the German Coast Farmers’ Market, visit the Facebook page or their website at www.germancoastfarmers

market.org.