The Columbus County Community Farmers Market was established in 1998. In 1999, the market received a $10,000 grant from the Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA) and continued to grow in a downtown parking lot location. The North Carolina Secretary of State incorporated the organization on January 19, 2001. Also in 2001, the market relocated to a temporary shelter near the Cooperative Extension Service and the Columbus County Department of Social Services buildings. The number of vendors and customers has nearly doubled since the move from the downtown location.
In 2004, with the help of two (2) grants totaling $125,000 from the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the farmers market is now housed in a permanent 60' x 120' open-air shelter with a concrete floor. The facility, constructed in 2005, provides ample parking, 20 vendors spaces, electricity and public restrooms, and is a thriving, centralized marketplace for area farmers to sell their locally grown produce to the public.
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Our mission is to provide quality, locally-grown produce to the community and provide an alternative income for our farmers.
Members of the Board of Directors include:
Lindy Harold Shuman, President
John Fipps, Vice President
Jackie Lewis, Secretary
Carol Shuman, Treasurer
Barbara Fipps
David Lewis
Resource Persons (non-voting)
Susie Rockel, Market Manager
Kip Godwin, Marketing Consultant
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Farmers Market Shopping Tips
The market is held rain or shine, please come dressed accordingly.
Sturdy shopping bags or baskets will help you carry your purchases back to your car.
Carry small bills so making change will be easy.
Come to the market early for the best selection of products. Some vendors sell out quickly!
Ask lots of questions: How is it grown? How do you cook it? Who has a certain kind of product?
State health regulations prohibit pets in the market, so please do not bring them through the market area (service animals allowed).
Six Reasons to Shop at Your Local Farmers Market
Availability of fresh produce.
Support of the farming lifestyle.
Direct marketing from farm to the consumer.
Large variety of products to choose from.
Large quantities of produce available.
One-on-one contact with the producer.
The Columbus County Community Farmers Market features only farmer-grown, farmer-sold products.
