MOULTRIE — In light of the response that was received from both prospective vendors and customers, The Downtown Merchant’s Association (DMA) in partnership with the City of Moultrie and the Healthy Colquitt Coalition, is launching a Downtown Farmer’s Market on Saturday, June 26, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And, since the time that this partnership was formed, other partners have come aboard the project in the form of the Colquitt County Farm Bureau and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service.

“One of Colquitt County Farm Bureau’s goals is to educate the public about agriculture in Colquitt County and across our state. Georgia Farm Bureau is promoting vegetables statewide this year and since Colquitt County is the largest agricultural county in the state and the most diversified vegetable producer, Colquitt County Farm Bureau is proud to help sponsor the Downtown Farmers’ Market,” said Charlotte Wingate, office manager.

The market will be held in the breezeway, which is on the south side of the square, because it will provide shelter from rain and electrical outlets are available, if needed, said City of Moultrie Mainstreet Director Amy Johnson. There are specific guidelines, which follow the Georgia Department of Agriculture policy, available online along with a registration form for prospective vendors to fill out at www.moultriega.com.  

“There is limited space and we encourage those who are interested to go ahead and sign-up,” she said.

Johnson said the market would be strictly for food-stuffs including bake goods, barbecue sauces, salsas and possibly herbs.

Another farmer’s market will be held the following Tuesday, June 29, after the Saturday’s event, from 3 to 6:30 p.m., for the convenience of the individuals who work in the downtown area. Johnson said about 1,200 people work downtown when the surrounding banks were included.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to walk downstairs and purchase home-grown fruits and vegetables. It’s going to be a plus for all of us who work or live downtown and a benefit to the community, as well. We’ll know the produce is fresh as it can be and we’ll be helping out our neighbors who grow this produce at the same time. That’s a win-win situation!” said downtown resident Hugh Lofton.

On hearing about Moultrie’s launch of its Farmer’s Market, Rep. Penny Houston’s office contacted Johnson.

“I heard from her assistant that there was federal money available for the assistance of developing farmer’s markets in downtown areas. Right now, I don’t know anything about it but I was excited to get the call and find out about the possible assistance,” she said.

Johnson will be attending a meeting in Waycross, Ga., which will focus on developing farmer’s markets in downtown areas, with federal assistance.

Two more markets have been also planned for the month of July and will be held Saturday, July 17, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesday, July 20, from 3 to 6:30 p.m.

“We do plan on continuing this,” said Johnson.

For additional information, contact her at the Main Street office at 229-890-5455.