Holiday event will put American-grown food, Christmas trees, meats and farm products in the spotlight
American farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers will take center stage in Washington, D.C., as the U.S. Department of Agriculture launches the Great American Christmas Market.
The two-day holiday event on the National Mall will bring together agricultural producers, artisans and rural businesses from across the United States, showcasing products grown, raised and made in America.
For USDA, the event is an opportunity to demonstrate just how closely American agriculture is connected with the country's Christmas traditions, from the tree in the living room to the food served at holiday gatherings.
“Agriculture touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and nowhere is that more evident than during the Christmas season,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said in announcing the event.
“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.”
From Christmas Trees to Holiday Meals
The Great American Christmas Market will feature a broad range of products representing different segments of U.S. agriculture.
American Christmas tree growers will offer fresh trees, wreaths, garlands and mini trees.
Food producers will be represented through seasonal produce, artisan cheeses, specialty foods, honey, preserves and baked goods. American ranchers will also be part of the event, with premium meats and other specialty products among the offerings.
The market will additionally feature lavender products, handcrafted goods and other American\-made gifts, along with Christmas caroling and holiday entertainment.
USDA is encouraging visitors to choose American\-grown and American\-made products for their celebrations, creating another opportunity to highlight the connection between consumer spending and rural communities.
Holiday Spending Can Support Rural America
Christmas and other year-end celebrations represent an important sales period for many farms and small agricultural businesses.
Direct-to-consumer products such as Christmas trees, specialty meats, cheeses, preserves, honey and value-added farm products can give producers an opportunity to capture more of the consumer dollar while building relationships between farms and their customers.
The USDA event also draws attention to the diversity of products generated by American agriculture beyond major commodity crops and livestock.
Many small and diversified farms have developed seasonal products, farm stores, Christmas markets, agritourism activities and online sales as additional sources of revenue.
For consumers, USDA's message is simple: purchasing American-grown products for the holidays is one way to support the farmers, ranchers and rural businesses behind them.
“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.
Agriculture Part of America's 250th Celebration
The Christmas market will also serve as the final USDA event associated with the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary.
It follows the Great American State Fair and Great American Farmers Market held earlier in the year.
Rollins is expected to officially open the Christmas market and recognize the farmers, ranchers, producers and other partners who participated in USDA's anniversary activities.
Beyond the celebration itself, the event provides a high\-profile platform for American agriculture in the nation's capital and reinforces the economic connection between consumers, farms and rural businesses.
For producers, that message may be particularly relevant during the holidays: buying a Christmas tree, choosing locally produced food or giving an American\-made agricultural product as a gift can put holiday spending directly into the businesses and communities that make those traditions possible.
Photo Credit: Pexels - Anna Shvets