August 22, 2024
AgGeorgia Farm Credit has awarded grants in the amount of $2,000 each to five local markets as part of the 2024 AgGeorgia Farmers Market grant program. This is the fourth year of the program, with the cooperative so far awarding $34,500 to help support rural Georgia markets.
“The importance of supporting American farmers can’t be overstated,” said Corey Cottle, AgGeorgia’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Particularly when it comes to young, beginning, small, and veteran farmers, their first outlet for selling their crops is often the local Farmers Market. Markets offer an excellent way to keep dollars local and assure quality that imported crops often cannot match, and we’re proud to help these markets effectively spread that message.”
The 2024 AgGeorgia Farmers Market Grant recipients are Amicalola Regional Farmers Market, Comer Community Market, Dallas Farmers Market, LaFayette Farmers Market, and Nashville Farmers Market.
The Dallas Farmers Market serves as a vibrant cornerstone of the community, offering a diverse array of fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and culinary delights. With 43 dedicated vendors and a burgeoning waitlist of eager entrepreneurs, the market is a testament to the enduring popularity and economic vitality it brings to the region. The Dallas Farmers Market plays a pivotal role in promoting local agriculture, supporting small businesses, and enhancing food security. By providing a platform for local farmers and artisans to showcase their products, the market stimulates economic growth and preserves the region's agricultural heritage.
John Grant, the Community Relations Coordinator for Paulding County BOC, stated, "We are deeply grateful for the $2,000 grant from AgGeorgia. A community's strength is measured by its ability to lift each other up. This generous support will significantly enhance our ability to promote the market, allowing us to reach more people and give back to the community. Visit us and discover what our local growers and artisans have to offer!”
AgGeorgia plans to continue the program in 2025 and encourages interested markets in the association’s seventy-nine county service area, particularly those who have applied and have not yet been selected, to apply next year.