It’s Mississippi Farmers Market Week, July 7-13

Anyone who loves fresh produce knows farmers markets are some of the best places to purchase homegrown vegetables, home-canned products, and other homemade goods.

The Brookhaven Farmers Market is open Tuesdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. until noon, in Railroad Park on South Whitworth Avenue.

This year, Mississippi Farmers Market Week is July 7-13. Mississippi Farmers Market Week was established by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to create awareness of local famers markets, and to recognize the significant contribution of the markets to local communities.

Along with officially announcing the week, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson has announced the certified farmers markets across the state.

MDAC has 32 certified markets in 25 counties. The Mississippi Certified Farmers Market 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. Sales of food products grown, made or processed within the state and sold from Certified Farmers Markets are sales tax exempt.

“People today want the best when it comes to feeding their families,” said Commissioner Gipson. “And because of that, many farmers markets around the state have been certified through our Mississippi Farmers Market Certification Program. With the certification, these markets are informing the public that they can find fresh, locally-grown produce, meats, eggs and other farm products near them. This growing season, we’ve certified over 30 farmers markets, and we are proud to highlight those markets today. I encourage every farmers markets to seek certification so we can provide them greater support and their customers can enjoy the tax relief when buying Mississippi food products.”

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 grown produce and other agricultural 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.

The Broohaven Farmers Market can be reached through Facebook or 601-835-3460.

Find a complete list of farmers markets across the state and learn how to become a certified farmers market at www.msfarmersmarket.com , or contact Katie Sansing at katie@mdac.ms.gov .

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