In conjunction with Mississippi Farmers Market Week, which runs July 7-13, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson has announced the certified farmers markets across the state. Farmers markets that have been certified by MDAC include the Eupora Farmers Market in Webster County. The EFM is located in the Depot Park at 855 S. Dunn St. and is open on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. through Oct. 29. For more information about the Eupora Farmers Market, follow it on Facebook or call 662- 769-5152. These certified farmers markets operate in neighboring counties:• Chickasaw County: The Houston Farmers Market is located at 101 Pinson Square and is open on Saturdays from 7-11 a.m. For more information about the Houston Farmers Market, follow it on Facebook or call 662-456-6416. • Montgomery County: MS Crossroads Farmers Market is located at 608 Summit St. in Winona and is open Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon. For more information about the MS Crossroads Farmers Market, follow it on Facebook or call 662-310-2147. Mississippi Farmers Market Week was established by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to create awareness of local farmers markets and recognize the significant contribution of farmers markets to local communities. MDAC has certified 32 farmers markets in 25 counties as part of the Mississippi Certified Farmers Market Program this year. This 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 that are grown, made or processed in Mississippi and sold from Certified Farmers Markets are exempt from sales tax. “People today want the best when it comes to feeding their families,” said 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. Find a complete list of farmers markets across the state and learn how to become a certified farmers mar- ket now at www.msfarmersmarket.com.
