The Friends of Dean Park, Inc. (FODP) is planning to open its 3rd year at the Center Hill Farmers Market. In preparation for this opening, three of the market managers attended the 2025 Farmers Market Manager Workshop. Richard Moncrief, Mary Waldrip McWilliams and new trainee Valarie Smith were in attendance at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson, MS on March 13, 2025. Purvie Green of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce was the coordinator of the workshop.
The manager workshop presents an opportunity for managers to learn and share how various markets handle the different aspects of Farmers Market management. Some of the topics discussed:
- Social Media Basics a tool for publicity
- Labeling Mississippi cottage food products and food safety requirements to sell at the market
- Key essentials to operating farmers markets
- What is to be sold and what is taxable
- Farmers market resources
- Produce safety rules
- Permits requirements for vendors.
The West Virginia Farmers Market Association presented a planning toolkit to the participants. It focused on vendor recruitment and retention which is difficult for many markets.
The Center Hill Farmers is under the umbrella of the FODP which is located in the Ollie Dailey Community Center, 10625 Hwy 15 South, Louisville, MS 39339. The market is adjacent to the historical Dean Park. The market is still in the process of assembling a high tunnel that was purchased from a USDA grant. A deep well for irrigation is in the process, also. When completed, it will be spacious for many vegetables. Minister Alonzo Miller is the instructor for this special project. The weather has been a deterrent to its completion.
The market’s goal for the upcoming season is to locate more vendors and to encourage local residents to consider growing fresh produce to sell at the market, such as, tomatoes, peppers, peas, beans, onion, cucumbers, squash, corn, canned goods, bakery, fruits, nuts, eggplants, watermelon, cantaloupes, cut flowers, potted plants, starter plants, potatoes, lettuces and various greens, etc. There is a market for jelly, jams, preserves, pickles, chow-chow and other pickled vegetables. Arts and Crafts vendors are welcomed at the market.
The opening of the market will be late May or early June. If you are interested in vendor classes or preparation for the market, please call. The vendor fee is $10 which is required to help with the cost of electricity and water. Contact information: 510-672-2106 or 662.736-3323
