Ag Commissioner visits Gainesville during Farmers Market Week

GAINESVILLE - The State Agriculture Commissioner said Friday he's encouraged to see a growing number of community farmers markets in Georgia. <br /> <br /> Gary Black made his comments during a stop in Gainesville at the Downtown Gainesville Market on the Square, the next-to-last stop on the commissioner's 2014 Farmers Market Tour.<br /> <br /> "We're seeing these markets really spring up all over the state," said Black. "It's because consumer demand is there, and then what that's doing is providing some market opportunity for local producers."<br /> <br /> The State Department of Agriculture estimates that community farmers markets generate $30 million in revenue for Georgia each year.<br /> <br /> Black said there's more to community markets then generating dollars, however.<br /> <br /> "When you see the relationship built between consumer and producer and you can see them looking eyeball to eyeball as the transaction takes place, that's good for business," said Black.<br /> <br /> In addition to his visit in Gainesville, Black also made stops this week in Snellville, Atlanta, Milledgeville, Athens and Warner Robins. <br /> <br /> Farmers Market Week and the tour will wrap up Saturday, June 28 in Forest Park at the State Farmers Market. The Georgia Grown Farmers Showcase is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the event is open to the public.<br /> <br /> The Downtown Gainesville Market on the Square is open Fridays during the summer from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.