by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture will partner with Farm Credit for the 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. In 2024, the Department awarded over $11,500 in grants to 21 Arkansas farmers markets through the Farm Credit partnership.

This program supports local farmers markets by increasing awareness and providing funding assistance to help these markets serve their communities as consumer interest in locally grown and made products continues to increase.

“Farmers markets are essential in connecting local producers to consumers and strengthening rural economies,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “We have over 111 farmers markets across Arkansas and, according to recent data, 1,436 farms sell directly to consumers, generating $8.5 million in sales. These markets are vital to enhancing local food systems, and we’re proud to partner with Farm Credit to help ensure their continued success.”

The 10th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program launched

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas for the 9th annual Arkansas Farmers Market Promotion Program. This program, which is administered by the department and funded by the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas, helps build awareness for farmers markets and their vendors.

It provides funding assistance for the state’s farmers markets to serve their communities as consumer interest in locally grown and made products continues to increase.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program may fund the following promotional items to build community and regional awareness for a specific farmers market. The program provides signage listing names, seasons, times of operation, and location details. Local, traditional advertising is utilized along with social media campaigns.

Annual Farmers Market Promotion Program set to begin