Area farmer’s market board looking for input

The Delta Region Farmers Market Board welcomes farmers, food producers, home gardeners, community leaders and volunteers to join their next board meeting at 5 p.m. May 4 at 114 N. Cedar St., Tallulah.

Those who cannot attend in person can call in at +1-225-406-7979 using the passcode 382947194#. 

The Delta Farmers Market Board is a collaboration of growers, producers, and vendors in the delta region working to increase access to locally grown foods and enhance the economic well-being of the region. The board is working to set market dates, share event information, arrange vendor trainings and set governing practices for farmers markets in Madison, Tensas, East Carroll, West Carroll and Morehouse parishes. 

“If you are growing food that you would like to sell or donate, or if you just want to help strengthen the market in your community we encourage you to join the board,” said Joy Sims, LSU AgCenter assistant extension agent for Madison and Tensas parishes. “We want to improve the availability of fresh, local produce in our region while also expanding economic opportunities for our farmers and producers.” 

The board aims to provide guidance to smaller farmers markets in East Carroll, Madison, Morehouse and Tensas parishes. The group has already helped some local growers apply for card readers through the MarketLink grant program and register with the state to become official farmers market vendors. The group has also expressed interest in donating unsold produce to food pantries.

In addition to strengthening existing markets, the board also hopes to establish new markets in an effort to strengthen the local food system in the region. Working with leadership in St. Joseph, the group will supplement the existing farmers market with the addition of a produce market. 

“St. Joseph is excited to announce the addition of a produce market, which will be opening soon,” St. Joseph Mayor Matt Alexander said. “The market hopes to establish itself as a fixture of the community, offering healthy food options to all residents of Tensas Parish.” 

A budding market in East Carroll is also working with the group to improve their market.

“We have over 23 vendors committed to opening day on May 29,” Lake Providence market manager Prudence Grissom said. “We invite all residents to come and see what the market has to offer.” 

The Delta Region Farmers Market Board was established by the LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities program, which hosted a free virtual farmers market vendor training back in February.

For information about joining the Delta Farmers Market Board, contact Joy Sims at 318-574-2465 or jsims@agcenter.lsu.edu.