Farmers offering good selection of produce at market

The demand continues to 'outgrow' the supply at the City of Gaffney's new Gaffney Station Farmers Market.

Three farmers offered their fruits, vegetables and home canned items last Wednesday afternoon on the lot in front of the old Gaffney Post Office, soon to be the City of Gaffney Visitors' Center and home of CAVA Art Gallery. Most items offered were sold well before the 7 p.m. deadline.

Even with the severe drought conditions more and more farmers are offering their goods, and some are adding plants, flowers and small trees to their stock. The Farmers Market will be open through October 29 on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 12 noon and Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

Produce sold is, of course, tied to the time of year when crops normally mature in Cherokee and surrounding counties. Items like squash, onions, peppers, cucumbers, beets, carrots, cabbage and chow-chow have been abundant. However, local tomatoes are just beginning to come in along with some beans. Farmers say corn is in various stages of maturing as they hope for rain to produce later offerings. Those growers in attendance this Wednesday hope to offer tomatoes, okra, possibly corn, squash, cucumbers, zucchini, beets, plums, and peppers on Saturday morning. Please note that the produce sells quickly, so plan to come early.

The growing demand for locally grown produce has prompted farmers to make arrangements for offering their goods at the next market. Anyone seeking information on the market may call the Clemson Extension Service at (864) 489-3141 or the City of Gaffney Visitor's Center at (864) 487-6244.