JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Mississippi Secretary of Agriculture Cindy Hyde-Smith says in 2005 there
were about 60 farmers markets across the state. Now there's about 75
with even more potentially cropping up. Hyde-Smith says that's because
of a higher demand for healthier foods.
"It's a $7 billion industry," said Hyde-Smith.
With it, Hyde-Smith says there's an agricultural trend in buying local.
"It is amazing so many people are really interested in fresh fruits and vegetables now," added Hyde-Smith.
As part of the Mississippi Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association conference, it's all about boosting current and new growers. Association president Jim Ewing says that starts with folks embracing home grown crops.
"When you buy locally, you know the farmer. You know where it came from. You know it's good for you and you're also helping the economy," said Ewing.
Hyde-Smith says in 2005 there were about 60 farmers markets across the state, now there's about 75 with even more potentially cropping up. Hyde-Smith says that's because of a higher demand for healthier foods.
"I'm just do glad that the healthy eating is sinking in, that we are what we eat," said Hyde-Smith.
The challenge however is marketing the state's fruit and vegetable production and getting the goods to the people who want them. despite economic hardships Hyde-Smith says non-farmers can even harvest a little extra income while helping to meet demand.
"I've always said it's kind of right there under our nose. If you've got just a few acres you can grow things that can become profitable for you," said Hyde-Smith.
With fruits and vegetables crucial parts of the state's economy Ewing says the more markets the better.
"This is a very powerful new movement here in Mississippi. It's really building Mississippi and returning to our roots," said Ewing.
Copyright 2012 Mississippi News Now. All rights reserved.
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