The Perry County Farmer’s Market is in its’ twelfth season. 2018 has been a successful market season with gross annual sales exceeding $60,000.00. Sales are up over $10,000 from previous years.

The market participates in the Senior Voucher Program and WIC, and through a Community Farm Alliance Grant, participates in the Double Dollars Program. This has returned more than $3,500 to consumers. This market has one of the highest Senior Voucher redemption rates in the state.

The market also participates in the Children’s Program, Carrot Cash, which has return more than $700.00 to Perry County families.

     The market also secured funding through WellCare to pay LKLP for transporting people to and from the market. The Market also receives funding through Kids On the Move.

     It has 40 registered vendors and a regular vendor base of 20. All certified in Produce Best Practices (PBPT) by the Perry County Extension Service.

     The Perry County Cooperative Extension Service is heavily involved in the Market. The County Extension Agent for Agricultural and Natural Resources conducted all the PBPT trainings, and is a five- year Board member. The Perry County Extension service also provides annual production training to Vegetable producers and makes regular farm visits to assist growers. Perry County Extension EFNEP and Snap-ED Assistances are regulars at the market conducting food demonstrations, teaching food safety and providing recipes which promotes consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

     The Perry County Farmer’s Market Board just recently wrote and received funding for a $150,000 USDA Farmer’s Market Promotional Grant that will provide funding over the next three years. This grant will be used for market promotion, expansion, and staffing. This will provide stability for the market and ensure it continues providing a much needed service to Perry County residents by providing fresh wholesome locally grown fruit and vegetables and a market outlet for fruit and vegetable growers.