MDAC certifies local farmers markets

Long Beach Breeze

The Farmers Market at Long Beach has been recognized by the Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson as a certified farmers market in Mississippi.  It joins The Pass Market, The Florence Gardens Farmers Market and the Gulfport Harbor Farmers Market as the only four certified farmers markets in Harrison county.

This year, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) has certified thirty-two farmers markets in twenty-five counties as part of the Mississippi Certified Farmers Market Program. The program serves as a marketing initiative designed to identify and promote markets where producers of Mississippi grown produce and other agricultural products gather to sell their goods directly to consumers. Sales of food products that are grown, made or processed in Mississippi and sold from Certified Farmers Markets are exempt from sales tax.

“People today want the best when it comes to feeding their families,” said Gipson. “And, because of that, many farmers markets around the state have been certified through our Mississippi Farmers Market Certification Program. With the certification, these markets are informing the public that they can find fresh, locally-grown produce, meats, eggs and other farm products near them.”

In order to be recognized by the Mississippi Farmers Market Certification Program, local farmers markets must be identified and approved as locations where Mississippi farmers are gathered to sell their Mississippi grown produce and other agricultural products.  By shopping at one of the state’s certified markets, consumers can be confident that they are purchasing both fresh and nourishing food.

The Farmers Market at Long Beach is located at 301 Jeff Davis Avenue in Long Beach and is open rain or shine on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon. For more information about the Long Beach Farmers Market, follow them on Facebook, or call 985-710-3946. 

The Pass Market is located at 103 Fleitas Street in Pass Christian and is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the Pass Farmers Market, follow them on Facebook, or call 228-297-3040.

Both the Florence Garden and Gulfport Harbor Farmers Markets are located in Gulfport.

Find a complete list of farmers markets across the state, visit www.MSFarmersMarket.com.