New Jersey’s favorite farmers market is now vying to be named the best in the nation.

The Burlington County Farmers Market is one of 20 finalists competing in the USA Today 10BEST contest for the title of Best Farmers Market in the nation. Online voting kicked off this week and will continue until noon on April 14. 

“Burlington County is a national leader in preserving farmland and supporting local farmers, and our Burlington County Farmers Market is a testament to that commitment,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “Our Farmers Market was voted the best in New Jersey last year by the American Farmland Trust and No. 3 in the Northeast region last year, so we’re thrilled to learn it’s now in the running for USA Today’s 10BEST title.”

To vote in the contest, visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-farmers-market/.

Voters can cast multiple ballots but may only vote once-per-day.

The 10BEST contest is organized by USA Today each year and crowns the best food outlets in the United States in eight different categories. 

The Burlington County Farmers Market is competing in the farmers market category against 19 other markets from around the nation. Each was nominated by a panel of experts chosen by USA Today. The winner will be crowned based on the online voting.

This year marks the first time Burlington County was nominated as a finalist in the national contest. Some of the other nominees include Michigan’s Ann Arbor Farmers Market; Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco, Calif.; Historic Lewes Farmers Market in Delaware; Kaka’ako Farmers Market in Honolulu, Hawaii; Union Square Greenmarket in New York City and last year’s winner, the Worthington Farmers Market in Ohio.

“Just being selected as a finalist with this group is an honor and a reflection of the market’s outstanding farms and vendors, and the enthusiasm and support of not only Burlington County’s residents and communities but the entire region as well,” said Eckel. “The national attention benefits our local farms, artists and small business vendors, so show your support and help our market win the title of best in the nation.”

Now in its 19^th season, the farmers market is located at the Burlington County Agricultural Center at 500 Centerton Road, Moorestown. The property was previously a dairy farm before being preserved by Burlington County and transitioned into a community park and education center devoted to farming, food production, nutrition and land stewardship.

The weekly farmers market at the site has grown each year and routinely attracts thousands of shoppers each week. 

The new season began earlier this month with the first of four special preseason markets scheduled for select Saturdays in March and April, including this Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM.

The regular season of weekly Saturday markets will kick off on May 10 with the traditional Opening Day/Spring Garden Theme Market from 8:30 AM to 1 PM. Subsequent markets will be held the same hours every Saturday, rain or shine, through November 22.