Farmers Markets pane layout and ceremony details announced

The first-day ceremony for the four United States Farmers Markets forever stamps will take place Aug. 7 in Washington, D.C.

A 10:30 a.m. ceremony is planned at the Freshfarm Market by the White House, in the 800 block of Vermont Avenue between H Street and I Street.

According to its website, the Freshfarm Market is a nonprofit organization “whose mission is to build and strengthen the local, sustainable food movement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.”

The issue date coincides with National Farmers Market Week, celebrated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the first week in August.

The pane of 20 Farmers Markets stamps was pictured in the Quarter 3 issue of the USA Philatelic catalog from the U.S. Postal Service.

The words “Farmers Markets” appear in the stamp pane header below a decorative ornament. One single plate number appears in the lower right corner of the stamp pane. The gradient color of the pane selvage changes from a shade of dark blue at the top to white at the bottom.

Press sheets, both with and without die cuts, will be available for this issue. Each variety consists of five panes of stamps and sells for the face value of $49.