The Burlington County Farmers Market has been selected as one of 20 finalists for the USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards for best farmers market in the country, according to a March 18 announcement. Online voting began this week and will continue until noon on April 13.
The recognition highlights the ongoing efforts to support local agriculture and community engagement in Burlington County. The market is celebrating its 20th season this year and was previously ranked No. 4 nationally in last year’s poll.
“Allison Eckel, Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director and liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation, Parks and Farmland Preservation, said, “Burlington County is a national leader in preserving farmland and supporting local farmers, and the Burlington County Farmers Market is a testament to that commitment. This year is the market’s 20th season, and we’re excited it was selected for the 10BEST poll for a second consecutive year. Last year, we finished No. 4 in the nation, so we are hoping to make 2026 extra special by helping the market win the top spot as the best in America.”
The annual contest by USA Today recognizes top food outlets across several categories. The Burlington County Farmers Market is competing against markets from around the country that were nominated by a panel of experts chosen by USA Today. Voting takes place online at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-farmers-market/.
Burlington County is New Jersey’s only finalist this year and joins other returning markets such as Soda City Farmers Market in South Carolina, West Palm Beach GreenMarket in Florida, Kaka’ako Farmers Market in Hawaii, and Worthington Farmers Market in Ohio. Commissioner Randy Brolo said, “There are a lot of fantastic markets competing with us for the top spot, but we believe in the Burlington County Farmers Market, its farms, vendors and staff, and we are confident that its fans from South Jersey and across New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia Region will show it some love and vote everyday now through April 13. If they do, we think we’ll finish No. 1.”
The market operates weekly during spring through fall at the Burlington County Agricultural Center on Centerton Road in Moorestown—a former dairy farm preserved by the county that now serves as a park focused on farming education and land stewardship. The site also features community gardens, demonstration fields, commercial kitchen space for rent or classes, with portions still leased for farming.
This season began with four preseason markets scheduled between March and April; regular Saturday markets start May 9 with an Opening Day celebration marking two decades of operation. Markets will run every Saturday through November rain or shine with additional themed days throughout the year.
According to the official website, Burlington County encompasses over 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area; it includes Historic Smithville Park—a large natural site—and consists of three cities among its forty political subdivisions. The county operates under a Board of Commissioners made up of five at-large members with Eve Cullinan serving as administrator; it also recognizes community contributions through programs like Outstanding Women of Burlington County awards program. The library system aims to enrich lives through learning opportunities according to county officials.
