AgSouth Farm Credit CFO Lisa Gunter announced today that the cooperative has, once again, set aside $25,000 to help community-based farmers markets promote their markets during 2016.
        Twenty-five farmers markets in AgSouth's territory will receive $1,000 and 100 Think Outside the Store bags to help promote their markets. The reusable bags will be given to customers who shop at the markets.
        "AgSouth's purpose in awarding these grants is to increase awareness of how choosing to purchase locally-produced foods and goods benefits each community's health and economy," Gunter said. "As part of the Farm Credit System, AgSouth has been providing financial support to farmers and those in our rural areas for a century. This is the fourth year we have been supporting our local markets, and we're proud to add our Community Grant Program to a list of ways we continue to support agriculture."
        To be eligible for the grant, markets must be in AgSouth's territory, be open at least eight days during a two-month period, and have an average of at least 10 regularly participating vendors, half of which must sell agricultural products.
        The grant money must be used to advertise or otherwise promote the market while incorporating AgSouth's name or logo. All grant applications must be submitted to the association by March 8, 2016.
        To find out if your market is eligible or to apply online, visit www.AgSouthFC.com or contact Rhonda Uzzolino at (844) AGSOUTH or RUzzolino@AgSouthFC.com.
        With headquarters in Statesboro, AgSouth is one of the strongest agricultural lending cooperatives in the Southeast. AgSouthprovides loans for land, equipment and production agriculture; crop insurance; leasing; and home mortgages.