Mississippi Farmers Market Week is underway, with officials encouraging residents to shop local and support the more than 70 farmers markets operating across the state.
The annual observance, running July 5-11, highlights the role farmers markets play in connecting consumers with locally grown produce, meats, dairy products, honey, and other Mississippi-made goods while supporting farmers and small businesses.
“Farmers markets connect Mississippians with fresh, locally grown food while supporting the farmers, producers, and small businesses that drive our state’s agricultural economy,” Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson said. “Farmers markets showcase the best of Mississippi agriculture, and this week, we are proud to celebrate their impact on communities across our state.”
During Mississippi Farmers Market Week, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has launched an outreach campaign focused on the role farmers markets play in improving access to fresh, locally produced food.
As part of the campaign, MDAC has already begun making social media posts and highlighting individual markets that are certified by the state agency. Of the more than 70 farmers markets statewide, 40 are certified, meaning each includes at least two local growers and producers.
An added benefit of being a certified market is that all food products that are grown, made, or processed in Mississippi are exempt from the state sales tax.
“During Mississippi Farmers Market Week, we want to recognize the contributions of farmers markets to local communities,” Gipson continued. “They create valuable opportunities for Mississippi farmers to market their goods and grow their businesses while educating the public on where their food comes from.”
Gov. Tate Reeves signed a proclamation officially recognizing Mississippi Farmers Market Week. In it, he noted that agriculture is the state’s largest industry, contributing an estimated $9.51 billion to the economy in 2025, and that farmers markets are “an essential resource” for producers and consumers.
To find a farmers market near you, MDAC offers a statewide directory of certified markets. It can be accessed here.