AgGeorgia Farm Credit is pleased to announce that grants of $1,500 have each been awarded to the Wiregrass Farmers Market (Tifton), the Market on Madison (Dublin) and Sylvester’s Farmers Market. The grants are intended to help supplement the markets’ advertising and promotional objectives. “Our goal for developing this Farmers Market Grant is to help support those markets that support local farmers and the rural economy, while also providing access to fresh and healthy food and preserving our rural lifestyle and farmland,” said AgGeorgia Chief Marketing Officer Corey Cottle.
Randi Hickman, Director of the Wiregrass Farmers Market in Tifton, describes the grant as a tool to help boost engagement with its vendors while also educating the community. “The Wiregrass Farmers Market is more than just a great place to shop, it’s also a place to learn about food, farming, cooking and traditional skills,” said Hickman. “The grant funds from AgGeorgia will allow us to promote our Market throughout the county and the neighboring counties through targeted print ads and strategically placed social media outlets.
Jordan Crabb, market manager for the Market on Madison in Dublin, indicated their appreciation for the grant and additional reusable tote bags donated by AgGeorgia for vendor use at the market. “We are very thankful to be receiving this grant from AgGeorgia. Our farmers and vendors are such diligent workers so this is extremely special to us. The Market on Madison is a wonderful asset for our community. We see thousands each month traveling from all over the state to enjoy fresh, local products.”
Sylvester’s Farmers Market Director Karen Singletary describes the grant as a tool to advertise for the market and also for the market’s signage. “The grant funds from AgGeorgia will allow us to promote our Market through other sources, which has primarily been Facebook, in an effort that will allow us to grow our Market,” Singletary said. “I would like to grow our farmers market and offer other options like homemade jellies and other things.”
This is the first year the cooperative has offered a Farmers Market Grant, but additional funds have been set aside to offer this grant again in 2022.
