JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has certified 34 farmers markets as part of the Mississippi Certified Farmers Market Program. The program serves as a marketing initiative designed to identify and promote markets where producers of Mississippi grown produce and other agricultural products gather to sell their goods directly to consumers.
In Tallahatchie County, the Charleston Farmers Market has earned the certification. The Charleston Farmers Market is located at the James C. Kennedy Wellness Center and is open every second Tuesday of the month from 5-7 p.m. For more information about the Charleston Farmers Market, follow them on Facebook, or call 662-609-8054.
"Consumers are now more than ever seeking out local products," said Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. "They want to buy locally. They want to buy where they live. They want to know their farmers and where their food is coming from.”
In order to be recognized by the Mississippi Farmers Market Certification Program, local farmers markets must be identified and approved as locations where Mississippi farmers are gathered to sell their Mississippi products. As the demand for seasonal, locally grown produce has increased, so has the number of farmers markets across the state.
By shopping at one of the state’s certified markets, consumers can be confident that they are purchasing both fresh and nourishing food. To find a certified farmers market, visit www.msfarmersmarket.com or download the Mississippi Farmers Market mobile app.
Other area farmers markets certified by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce were:
» In Coahoma County, the Crossroads Farmers Market is located at 1536 Desoto Avenue in Clarksdale, and is open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m. For more information about the Crossroads Farmers Market, follow them on Facebook, or call 662-326-0272.
» In Lafayette County, the Mid-Town Farmers Market is located at the Mid-Town Shopping Center in Oxford, and is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. For more information about the Mid-Town Farmers Market, follow them on Facebook, or call 662-234-3425.
» In Sunflower County, the Indianola Open Air Farmers Market is located on Second Street across from the Blue Biscuit restaurant, and is open on Thursdays from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. For more information about the Indianola Open Air Farmers Market, follow them on Facebook, or call 662-887-4454.
