CHERAW – The new Cheraw Farmer’s Market, which is located under the shelter at 105 Front St. opened last week and will remain open until the end of October. It provides fresh produce from local farmers within the surrounding areas.

Local farmers David Smith of Wallace, Rick Hendrix of Pageland and Joel Berry from Blenheim are showcasing their homegrown garden-fresh fruit and vegetables and making it available to the public for purchase.

At the Market, you will find sweet watermelon (seeded and unseeded), Italian eggplant, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cabbage, corn on the cobb, bell peppers, jalapeno and green peppers, plums, apples, peaches.

Chesterfield-Marlboro Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) Executive Director Samuel D. Bass in conjunction with Clemson University Extension Service, have been working together to coordinate and implement the opening of the Farmer’s Market.

The Market also accepts WIC Vouchers, according to Bass.

The Market will remain open from June-Mid-August-Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Mid-September to November-Saturday only. The time for all marketing days are Tuesday - 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Thursday - 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Saturday - 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

“It is healthier for you when you can have fresh garden produce that is locally grown. It benefits the community in several ways such as being able to accept WIC Vouchers and will also help the farmers in South Carolina,” said Bass.

According to Bass, local farmers who wish to sell their produce at the Market must be certified through the Department of Agriculture and must meet certain criteria regarding guidelines such as those listed below.

•Each seller must have his own scale to weigh his produce- kitchen and bathroom scales are not acceptable;

•Each seller is responsible for setting his own prices, keeping scales accurate and cleaning up the area before leaving;

•Each producer will provide his own display of produce and will furnish bags or other containers when selling;

•Each vehicle selling produce will be charged (each day market is open) $3 (auto) $5 (pick-up truck or van). Fees will be used to pay market manager. (Waived until further notice);

•Honey, homemade syrup, jelly, home baked breads or goods are acceptable but: must be processed and labeled according to the requirements of the Food and Cosmetic Division of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

•Homemade products that contain a high percentage of eggs and milk, canned goods, eggs, milk, meats and their products cannot be sold;

•Potted and bedding plants can be sold, but must be inspected by a representative of the S.C. Plant and Pest Regulatory Service, or you can call the Clemson Extension Service for assistance;

Each seller is responsible to see that the product he offers for sale is safe for human consumption. If pesticides are to be used on your produce, you are responsible for any waiting period stated on the pesticide label.

For more information about the new Farmer’s Market call 843-320-9760 or Fax: 843-320-9771.