Photos by Jim Covington “Whereas, farmers markets provide important statewide marketing opportunities for farmers and are a significant part of the rural economy; and

whereas, across South Carolina, three state farmers markets and over one hundred community–based
farmers markets offer consumers convenient access to fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables,
flowers and plants, herbs, baked goods, and other products at affordable prices; and

whereas, farmers markets serve as integral links between urban, suburban, and rural communities,
affording farmers and consumers the chance to interact; and

whereas, the popularity of farmers markets continues to rise as increasing numbers of consumers discover the joys
and pleasures of shopping for unique products direct from the farm and buying familiar items in their freshest possible state.”

Governor Mark Sanford declared August 2010 Farmers Market Month and encouraged “all South Carolinians to eat local produce as a salute to our farmers markets and to our farmers who work so hard to supply them with an abundance of fresh food and other products.” The declaration of August as Farmers Market Month is an extension of National Farmers Market Week, August 1–7.

As part of Farmers Market Month, the S.C. State Farmers Market has begun the transition from its site at 1001 Bluff Road near Williams–Brice to its new home on Highway 321 in Lexington County near Dixiana. The move will take place in phases over the next two months in order to allow vendors to complete the construction of facilities at the new market. The old site on Bluff Road will continue to operate until October 29.

Later phases will include the SCDA conference center, additional stables and porches buildings, a specialty foods shop, a meat market, and a seafood market.

The new farmers market will be a state–of–the–art facility that provides the agricultural community of the state with a one–of–a–kind venue in which to showcase South Carolina products.

On the weekend of October 8, 9, and 10, there will be a Fall Plant and Flower Festival at the new site.