Vidalia — As the spring growing season nears and fresh produce begins to creep up out of the soil, a group of Concordians are preparing for another year at the Vidalia farmer’s market.

Starting in June, the market will continue in its previous location in front of the Old Courthouse on Carter Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Even though its several months away, involved farmer’s market members want local vendors or gardening enthusiasts to start prepping their crops for the weekly event.

Plantation Pecan Company owner Buddy Miller has participated in the market for several years and said he is glad the Miss-Lou community has taken to the idea of eating and buying locally.

“As time progresses people are becoming more aware of adding of fresh fruits and vegetables to a healthy diet,” Miller said. “It’s a win-win situation because a dollar spent at a farmer’s market stays local and turns over.”

Miller said opportunities to keep dollars in the area are a plus for any community.

“I think its going to be imperative as time progress for us to buy and sell locally because if you are aware and read labels you see more and more that were importing food from other countries,” Miller said. “We’re going to wind up being dependent on other countries for other food and I don’t think that’s in our best interest.”

Other than pecans and peaches, his two best crops, Miller said he also grows tomatoes, cantaloupes, watermelons and a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Traveling weekly to a farmer’s market in Baton Rouge, Miller said he hopes to see the Vidalia market expand to that size.

“There’s been a wide variety of produce here and we’ve had really good success in Vidalia with the market,” Miller said. “In addition to being fresh and healthy, it’s also helping the local economy.”

Former Master Gardener Terri Morris said she hopes this year more vendors will participate and bring fresh new ideas to the table.

“The fresh produce and vegetables are great, but we can also use things like goat cheese if you have goats or eggs if you have chickens, even something like flowers or tree seedlings,” Morris said. “Anything they actually grow or are a part of is welcomed.”

An application process for vendors is currently being developed, Miller said.

Vendors set their own prices on their goods and are required to provide all necessities, such as a booth or signs.

For more information or to get involved with the farmer’s market, contact Morris at 318-548-4357.