EDITORIAL: Farmers' markets provide more than fresh produce

Farmers’ markets provide more than fresh produce

As the summer produce continues before another bounty of fall crops, August is the perfect time of year to promote local farmers. Gov. Sanford proclaimed August as Farmers Market Month in South Carolina, an extension of National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 2-8.

The number of farmers markets in the United States exceeds 4,685, close to 3 million consumers shop at them, and more than 60,000 farmers sell at these markets annually. Up to 30 percent of consumers prefer produce from farmers’ markets and direct from producers, and 25 percent use farmers’ markets as their primary location to purchase fresh produce, according to a 2007 study by Colorado State University Extension.

Farmers markets provide fresh, local and nutritious food, celebrate our farming history and enable farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers.

“The local farmers market is a great place to teach children about the origin of their food,” said Hugh Weathers, South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture, in a press release. “It’s also a great way to support your local farmers by buying locally grown.”

Farms have been a key component of the state’s economy since the mid-eighteenth century. Darlington County’s farming roots are deep. Farmers settled here in the mid-eighteenth century and primarily grew cotton. Today the county and state’s agriculture generates a variety of products from fruits and vegetables to organic meats and honey.

The S.C. Department of Agriculture has created several campaigns to promote healthier and local eating: Fresh on the Menu, Palmettovore and Certified SC Grown. Each encourages people to think about where their food comes from and support our own economy by choosing South Carolina products for home and in restaurants.

By purchasing farm products directly, consumers get fresher products, tips for using them, and increase economic activity in the area by eliminating the middlemen. Every $100,000 increase in farm sales generates up to five new jobs and another $200,000 in economic activity, according to the Farmers Market Coalition.

“When people buy from farmers markets, they add to the farm income and help them stay in business,” Commissioner Weathers said. “It also helps the environment because their food travels a shorter distance to get to the market.”

In our area, we have an abundance of choices. You can visit the Good Living Marketplace, Ovis Hill Farm’s Hartsville Farmers Market, Pee Dee State Farmers Market, McLeod Farms Roadside Market, the new Bishopville Flea & Farmers Market as well as numerous roadside stands.

The Good Living Marketplace is held the first Saturday of the month 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cargill Way and Burry Park. The next market date is Sept. 12 due to the Labor Day Holiday. Info: 843-332-1600.

The Ovis Hill Farm Hartsville Farmers Market is held the third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gardner Fertilizer & Farm Supplies, 317 Railroad Ave. Info: 843-992-9447 or 843-332-4258.

The Pee Dee State Farmers Market is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 2513 W. Lucas St. in Florence. Info: 843-665-5154.

McLeod Farms Roadside Market is open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily year-round 4.5 miles South Hwy 151 in McBee. Info: 843-335-8611.

The Bishopville Flea & Farmer’s Market, which holds its grand opening Saturday, will be open year round 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1:30 to 6 p.m. Sundays. The King family operates the indoor and outdoor market at 102 S. Lee St. at the corner of Lee and Church in an old cotton warehouse. Info: 803-702-4272.

Support our community, our neighbors and our local farmers by shopping at these markets.

Lisa Chalian-Rock is the editor at The Messenger. She can be reached by phone at 843-332-6545 ext. 19 or by email lchalian-rock@hartsvillemessenger.com.