Imagine a picnic table filled with platters of food made with fresh produce grown in Georgia. It would be an endless smorgasbord of delicious delicacies fit for a king. At that table, folks would agree, Georgians knows how to roll out the red carpet with good wholesome food and fine southern hospitality.

 

In Georgia and in Hall County, the fruit and vegetable industry is alive and well. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts accounted for $1.1 billion in farm gate value in 2005, representing 11% of all farm products in Georgia. This ranked fruits and vegetables 4th in the state, behind poultry and eggs, row and forage crops, and livestock.

 

 

In Hall County, the farm gate value of fruits, nuts and vegetables in 2006 was $1.35 million, with apples, peaches, cantaloupes, pumpkins and tomatoes topping the list. And although fruit trees in our area were damaged by freeze of early April, we can still look forward to spring and summer vegetables.

 

While some of these products are sold via wholesale and retail outlets, the Hall County Farmers Market provides local residents a direct line to locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Created in 1973, the Hall County Farmers Market reopened for the 2007 growing season on Tuesday, May 8^th.

 

 

 

The Market, which in the past has operated at the Northeast Georgia Fairgrounds and Lake Shore Mall, currently operates at a permanent covered facility located on corner of E. Crescent Drive and Jesse Jewel Parkway, near I-985 Exit 24. 

 

Also, we’re always looking for new farmers and vendors. If you have a large garden and would like to make a few extra bucks, you are invited to join as a market member and sell your produce. You’ll meet lots of great customers who are always looking for fresh, home-grown items.