Ten Georgia farmers markets receive mini-grant

BAINBRIDGE — Ten southwest Georgia farmers markets were awarded mini-grants by Southwest Georgia Farm Credit’s Fresh from the Farm program. Each mini-grant recipient receives $500 and 250 reusable shopping bags.

Grant recipients include Bell’s Stop and Shop Produce Stand in Preston, Farmers’ Market in Blakely, Flint River Fresh in Albany, Sisters Produce and More in Bronwood, Jenkins Produce in Albany, Johnson Produce in Donalsonville, Just 4 Girls Farms LLC in Bainbridge, Mark’s Melon Patch in Dawson, Randolph Collective in Shellman and Calamint Farms in Milford.

Brant Harrell, relationship manager at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, noted the program’s influence on farmers markets.

“We’ve seen an increase in interest across our communities for locally grown fruits and vegetables,” he said. “As a result, there are new produce stands opening as well as expansion to some of the established farmers markets.”

The Fresh from the Farm program has been a Farm Credit program for six years with the goal of providing money to help famers markets and produce stands bolster their marketing and promotion efforts.