The Vicksburg Farmers’ Market will open June 6 — just a little over one month away. For those who did not attend last year, the market is at Levee and Grove streets. The market is open from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays and Wednesday evenings for produce sales only.

The Extension Service’s local Master Gardener volunteers are making their plans to attend the market each Saturday morning with educational seminars on various horticultural topics. I invite gardening enthusiasts to drop by the booth for a little one-on-one time with these well-trained and knowledgeable volunteers. 

For those of you thinking about trying your hand at growing and selling your produce at the market this year, allow me to invite you to a workshop — Selling at Farmers Markets — set for 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. May 7 at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum in Jackson. The Mississippi Extension Service is one of the co-sponsors. 

Don Wambles, director of the Alabama Farmers Market Authority and president of the Farmers Market Coalition, will be the featured speaker. In the past 10 years, Don has led the development of over 87 new farmers’ markets in Alabama. Through this network of market facilities, more than 1,544 small family farmers have benefited. He and his son have been vendors at farmers’ markets, so he speaks from experience. Don offers sound advice and an approachable demeanor.

The workshop is designed to teach participants:

• How to sell directly to the consumer while receiving retail prices.

• Strategies markets and farmers use to increase sales.

• How much to bring to the market, how to set up your display, how to make your booth attract customers, how to price your produce and how to handle customers.

• Strategies for establishing and maintaining a successful market.

The workshop will be in the Ethnic Heritage Center at the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Museum at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson. There is no charge, and lunch will be provided. Participants are asked to register by completing a form available at the Warren County Extension Service office no later than Thursday.

The individuals I spoke with who attended the Vicksburg Farmers Market last year expressed good feedback — vendors, shoppers, Master Gardeners and others. From that, I would rate it a positive for the community. A person does not have to have a large farm or to consider himself a truck farmer, per se, to participate as a vendor at the farmers market. In fact, one of my favorite stories from last year involved local residents Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hope who sold excess produce from their home vegetable garden at the farmers’ market. The proceeds from their surplus netted them a handsome sum of cash to put toward other expenses. Just a thought for others who might want to try something similar.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu