August is Farmers Market Month in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SC – August 6, 2012 – National Farmers Market Week is August 5-11, but Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, announces that Governor Nikki Haley has officially proclaimed August, Farmers Market Month in South Carolina. 

South Carolina has participated in National Farmers Market Week since the year 2000 when it was first established by the U.S.D.A.  Governor Haley expanded Farmers Market Week to a month-long celebration in South Carolina extending opportunities for communities across the state to showcase their local markets. Farmers markets are a critical food hub, bolstering regional economies, increasing access to nutritious foods, and bringing people together through a shared public space. 

“There is nothing fresher or nothing finer than the produce grown right here in South Carolina. Shopping at one of our many farmers markets makes it easy to have the state’s very best, while supporting your local farmers,” said Commissioner Weathers.
 
You can get that great South Carolina grown produce at 120 community based farmers markets located across the state. In addition, the three State Farmers Markets located in West Columbia, Florence and Greenville are also good venues for getting delicious, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
 
During your next visit to a farmers market look for the Certified SC Grown logo to find South Carolina grown produce and products. You can also enjoy the opportunity to connect with the people who make up one of South Carolina’s biggest industries.
 
To find the nearest community farmers market, click on www.agriculture.sc.gov/communityfarmersmarkets.  For more information about SC’s State Farmers Markets, visit www.agriculture.sc.gov/statefarmersmarkets and follow the individual links to the Greenville, Pee Dee, and SC State Farmers Markets.