American Farmland Trust, the nation’s leading farmland conservation organization, has issued a nationwide challenge to decide which farmers markets can rally the most support from their communities.

And with voting underway to select “America’s Favorite Farmers Markets,” The Auburn International Farmers Market is one of five markets in Washington State leading the contest.

Voting opened June 1 and ends Aug. 31.

Four markets — one large, one medium, one small and one boutique — will win the title of America’s Favorite Farmers Market for 2011. And for the first time, the market in each state with the most votes will get a prize, too.

“We are thrilled to be included among the leading markets in Washington State,” said Market Manager Joanne Macnab. “I hope that fans of the market who have not yet voted will support us and select the Auburn International Farmers Market.”

The Auburn International Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through Sept. 25 at the Auburn Station Plaza at 23 A St. S.W.

Contest rules allow people to vote for as many participating farmers markets as they choose, but they can only vote one time for each market.

American Farmland Trust is the leading conservation organization dedicated to saving America’s farm and ranch land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and supporting a sustainable future for farms. The contest is part of its No Farms No Food® campaign, which raises awareness of the dangers of farmland loss by making connections to food.

“There would be no local food without local farms and farmland,” said Jon Scholl, president of American Farmland Trust. “People can make a real difference in the economic health of their communities by shopping at farmers markets, participating in CSAs, and buying directly from the farm.”

For more information about the contest, or to cast your vote, visit www.farmland.org/vote. For more information about the Auburn International Farmers Market, visit www.auburnfarmersmarket.org.