The state owns and manages three regional farmers markets in South Carolina which are operated from vendor fees.
Columbia State Farmers Market
The Columbia Market opened at its present location on 50 acres on Bluff Road in Columbia in 1952 and was acquired in 1975 by the state. It includes 500 open stalls, over 100 wholesale units, 38 retail units, 4 food establishments, and a US Post Office. Ranked in the top 10 in the nation for sales volume, the Columbia Market gives farmers a place to market directly to consumers, retailers, and wholesalers and gives consumers a place to buy fresh, safe, wholesome produce and colorful plants. A new 100,000 sq. ft. drive-through building protects buyers, sellers, and agricultural products from inclement weather.
Hours of retail operation:
6 AM - 9 PM, Monday - Saturday
1 PM - 9 PM, SundayLee Sowell
Market Manager
803-737-4664
The Greenville Market, established in 1948 by Greenville County, became a state facility in 1980. Wholesalers supply customers needing volumes of produce from local, national, and international sources, and small wholesale vendors, offering a wide selection of staples, also process products for institutional and restaurant customers in processing kitchens on the market. The Greenville Market, assisting farmers who truck seasonal fruits and vegetables from surrounding counties, NC, and northeast GA, offers selections from the freshest and best in the Piedmont area.
Hours of retail operation:
8 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Saturday
Jack Watson
Market Manager
864-244-4023
The Pee Dee Market, located on Highway 52 between Darlington and Florence near I-95, offers producers a market and consumers a ready source of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Market includes a 45,000 sq. ft. drive-through farmer-retail building, and shade cloth area, and a century old barn for SC artisans. Well-known throughout the southeast, the Pee Dee Market has an abundance of plants and flowers as well as quality produce. Several private horticulture retailers have set up permanent businesses at the PeeDee Market.
Hours of retail operation:
8 AM - 6 PM, Monday through Saturday.
Lee Sowell
Market Manager
803-737-4664