The Westport Farmers Market has been named the 10th best farmers market in the country, and the sixth best in the Northeast, by American Farmland Trust. Additionally, it garnered the third best spot in Connecticut.

“It is such an honor to be recognized by our shoppers, vendors and AFT as one of the top markets in the nation,” says Lori Cochran-Dougall, executive director of the market. “AFT gets that farmers markets matter at a time when farms are diminishing and threatened by development. Farmers who participate in markets are staving off development and succeeding where others, unfortunately, are not.”

The best markets were chosen as part of AFT’s 11th “Farmers’ Market Celebration,” which rallies community support for local food while raising awareness about the loss of America’s farmland. The contest ran from June through September and featured social media users using the hashtag #onmyfork to share their stories about farmers markets across the country.

“From our Chef-at-the-Market competition to our community programming, WFM tries to go above and beyond to ensure all people have access to clean food grown by farmers they know by name,” Cochran-Dougall says. “One of our original founders, Paul Newman, would be proud of AFT’s recognition.”

Winter hours for the market (through March 14) are Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

Location: Gilbertie's Herbs and Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Ln, Westport.