Leesburg to launch first farmers market aimed at boosting downtown economy

Baskets of scuppernongs and muscadines sit on display at a local farmers market, highlighting the type of fresh, locally grown produce expected at Leesburg’s upcoming “Harvest on Walnut Farmer’s Market.” Special Photo: Kathryn Crockett

LEESBURG — A new farmers market launching April 25 is expected to bring more than vendors to downtown Leesburg — it could serve as a catalyst for local economic growth, small business development and renewed community engagement.

The “Harvest on Walnut Farmer’s Market” is scheduled to open for a one-day event from 9 a.m. to noon on the 26th along Railroad Avenue North. The market is expected to feature a range of local vendors offering produce, handmade goods and small-batch products. But behind the event is a broader strategy focused on economic development, access and community identity.

“This is just a kind of come-together,” Jim Quinn, chairperson of the Leesburg Downtown Development Authority, said with enthusiasm during a recent discussion, describing the market as a starting point for building stronger connections within a “two-mile radius” of the downtown area.

Interest appears to be strong. Quinn said early social media posts about the event generated thousands of interactions, signaling pent-up demand for more local, community-centered events and a clear gap in the market for locally made products.

National data suggests that momentum could translate into measurable economic impact. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 8,600 farmers markets operate nationwide, with small farms generating more than $2.4 billion annually through direct-to-consumer sales. Studies also have found that farmers market shoppers frequently spend additional money at nearby businesses, with each dollar spent potentially generating up to $1.36 in local economic activity.

Local officials see that potential playing out in Leesburg, where downtown growth has become a priority.

“Local businesses need more traffic,” Amanda White, vice chairperson of the Downtown Development Authority, said during the meeting, with Sheri Smith, a local business owner and DDA board member adding that even though her business, Passion & Bliss, typically serves a weekday crowd, they plan to open that Saturday during the event. “I think it’ll be great,”Smith said, emphasizing that events like the farmers market are intended to bring people into the downtown district and support existing businesses.

In addition to driving revenue for established businesses, farmers markets are increasingly viewed as entry points for entrepreneurs who may not have access to traditional retail channels. Unlike grocery supply chains that require volume, packaging and distribution infrastructure, markets allow growers, bakers and artisans to sell directly to customers, often with lower start-up costs.

That accessibility can broaden participation in the local economy. National research shows farms selling directly to consumers are more likely to be operated by women and younger producers, and while priority will be given to Lee County vendors, organizers say all are welcome to apply.

Set against a region where economic conditions can vary dramatically within just a few miles, the “Harvest on Walnut” Farmer’s Market could offer a small but meaningful step toward bridging those gaps. By creating a direct pipeline between local producers and consumers, the market keeps more dollars circulating within the community while lowering barriers for small-scale entrepreneurs to generate income.

While not a standalone solution, initiatives like this can help strengthen local economic resilience by encouraging both production and participation in the local economy.

Those connections can be especially significant in southwest Georgia, where poverty and food access remain uneven across the region. While Lee County has relatively low poverty rates, nearby counties such as Dougherty and Terrell continue to face higher levels of economic hardship and food insecurity, making access to fresh, affordable food an ongoing concern.

Advocates say farmers markets can help close some of those gaps — not just by offering fresh produce, but by changing how communities think about economic participation.

Rather than relying solely on large retailers, markets create visible opportunities for residents to produce and sell goods themselves, whether through agriculture, food preparation or handmade products. That shift, supporters argue, can encourage a more locally driven, creative economy.

Still, researchers caution that farmers markets are not a cure-all. Studies of low-income shoppers show barriers such as transportation, limited hours, pricing perceptions and lack of awareness about accepted benefits can prevent broader participation. In some cases, markets may also skew toward specialty or higher-priced goods, limiting accessibility for families on tight budgets.

Local organizers appear aware of those challenges. During the DDA discussion, leaders emphasized the importance of vendor selection and balance to ensure a successful event.

“If you’ve got 10 food vendors and six of them, their primary items are something like hot dogs, then none of those six people are going to be very successful,” one organizer said, noting the need to create a mix that benefits both vendors and customers.

“This is just step one,” Quinn said.

If successful, “Harvest on Walnut” could grow beyond a single-morning event into a sustained platform for local vendors, small businesses and community engagement — one that not only drives foot traffic downtown, but also strengthens local commerce, expands access to fresh food and reinforces a culture of supporting home-grown enterprise. In a region navigating both opportunity and economic disparity, leaders say even small, consistent efforts like this can help lay the foundation for long-term growth.