Lafayette County residents will soon have another opportunity to shop locally for fresh produce from local farmers.

The Lafayette County Farm Market will kick off on June 5 at the Lafayette County Arena on F.D. Buddy East Parkway, and then operating every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. through September. The market will be held outdoors in front of the arena.

Market organizer Jason Kent emphasized that the outdoor setup is ideal for vendors, especially those selling refrigerated goods. 

“We love being outside because everybody just wants to go to a market. It’s easier for our meat vendors to have their refrigeration out here and not have to carry everything inside,” Kent said.

With over 100 parking spaces available, the market will primarily feature local farmers, but when certain items are not grown in the county—such as peaches or pecans—Kent has already secured commitments from neighboring farmers to fill those gaps.

The creation of this market stems from a growing need for an additional sales day for local farmers.

“Not everyone can make it to the other markets due to scheduling conflicts. This provides another day to sell locally without having to travel to Memphis, Collierville, or Grenada,” Kent said. “It also gives residents one more opportunity to buy fresh, local produce without going elsewhere. It’s a win-win.”

As a farmer himself, Kent grows various types of produce, with a primary focus on purple hull peas.  He noted that between the different farmers involved, there will be a wide variety of offerings.

The market will be entirely farmer-operated and does not rely on tax dollars. 

“We only use the parking lot; nobody gives us any money for this market. The county sees it as a benefit to its residents and a way for us to get our products out there,” Kent said.

For those interested in becoming vendors, the market charges a daily fee of $10 or a discounted yearly rate of $100. Vendors must be certified, whether they are selling produce, baked goods, or handmade products. Kent and Extension Agent Mabrey Lee Briscoe will inspect farms to ensure that all produce sold is locally grown.

Wayne Andrews, director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, which manages the Lafayette County Arena, noted that the farmers behind this market see it as an opportunity to expand local agricultural sales rather than compete with existing markets. 

“Introducing another market day and location aims to tap into emerging areas and traffic patterns, enhancing opportunities for residents to purchase directly from farmers,” Andrews said.

For more information or to register to become a vendor, visit Lafayette County Farm Market on Facebook.