Where can you get flowers, produce, pumpkins, fresh cheeses, and local honey all in one place? Answer: The Greenville State Farmers Market (GSFM).
DYK? The GSFM began as a tailgate produce market along downtown’s Court Street . Once it outgrew that area, the South Carolina General Assembly created the Greenville County Marketing Commission “to plan and establish proper facilities” for the sales of farm + food products.
In June of 1949, the GSFM moved into its current location — 1354 Rutherford Rd. near Cherrydale. Within the first year, it became clear that even more space was needed, and the warehouse space was doubled. The new additions included a poultry processing plant, a sweet potato curing house, an administration building, and rail access.
The GSFM operated under the oversight of the Greenville County Marketing Commission until 1980 when the South Carolina Department of Agriculture took over operations of the facility, which brings us to today.
Open year round Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., (except on Christmas and Thanksgiving) the GSFM sells fresh produce from “sources throughout the world” in addition to local produce. Seasonal festivals are held in the spring and in the fall, you can meet local greenhouse growers + producers of plants and gardening products from across the state. Should we get into gardening? I think we should get into gardening.
