Market Trends
A Conversation with David Tompkins, State Farmers Market
MidlandsBiz:
Why did State Farmers Market move to a new location?
David Tompkins:
Most of the buildings at the old market needed to be either repaired or replaced, so it made sense to look elsewhere for a permanent new home for the Market. Many changes had taken place at our former location around Williams Bryce Stadium over the years so it made more sense for the University to acquire that land.
There have been big changes over the past 25 years in terms of food delivery. There is more of a demand for food safety and higher standards have been implemented from the farmer on through to the customer. Achieving this level of control was becoming increasingly difficult at the old location. Recently, Senn Brothers announced a $15M contract to supply the U.S. military. This new business for them would not have been possible operating out of the older facility.
The State Farmers Market was established in 1951. In 2010, we started the move to our new location at 3483 Charleston Highway in Lexington County and we are now fully operational at this new facility. Most of our vendors have moved with us to the new location, and we look forward to operating a highly efficient market to serve the citizens of the state. Buyers are coming in good numbers to the market and this is creating good opportunity for our farmers.
MidlandsBiz:
What is the ownership of the Farmer's Market?
David Tompkins:
The old market was owned almost entirely by the state, by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture; the new Market is a combination of publicly-owned as well as privately-owned facilities. The state owns the farmers' sheds, the conference center, the administrative buildings, and is responsible for the maintenance of the overall market. The wholesale warehouses are privately-owned and, therefore, on the tax rolls.
We have also expanded our "non-farmer" activities at this new location. These privately-owned enterprises include the restaurants, resellers and retailers.
We also operate two other markets in South Carolina: the Pee Dee market, which is more of a direct to consumer, retail operation; and the Greenville market, which is a mini-version of the old Columbia market. We also own additional property at this location that can be used for further development.
MidlandsBiz:
Does the market offer both wholesale and retail sales of produce?
David Tompkins:
The main function for this market is to provide farmers with a wholesale outlet for their product, to help them connect with customers looking to buy in quantity. From all over the Southeast, large grocers such as Bi-Lo as well as independents (IGA and Red & White) roll in here with trucks to load up and take back fresh produce to their stores. We also see a lot of roadside stand operators buy their product here.
Farmers also sell directly to consumers and I encourage people come down here and interact directly with the farmers, to buy fresh South Carolina produce – at great prices.
MidlandsBiz:
Talk about the Certified SC Grown Program and how it relates to the State Farmers Market.
David Tompkins:
We encourage farmers who register to sell with us here at the market to participate in the Certified SC Grown Program, but it is not a condition of entry. In order for a product to qualify for this designation, it must not only be grown in South Carolina, it must meet the higher quality standards that are set out in the program. Not all products have the stamp of Certified SC Grown, but those that do qualify are clearly marked.
MidlandsBiz:
What is your business model?
David Tompkins:
Farmers lease the sheds from us on an annual, seasonal, or even daily basis. A farmer who leases a shed for a year must be in the Certified SC Grown Program. As a public entity, we are trying to provide a service to our local farmers so our fees for leasing are basically set to cover our costs. Our biggest expenses at the Market are maintenance, electrical bill, and, regrettably, disposal of unused produce.
MidlandsBiz:
Talk a little more about the retail side of operations, the restaurants and cooking schools.
David Tompkins:
The retail side is designed to broaden the experience of our local customers. You can come to the Market for lunch, watch a demonstration on how to cook with South Carolina ingredients such collards, and buy fresh product at a great price. Collards used to be a local phenomenon, now they are a nationwide trend, and some of the largest growers of collards are located right here in the Midlands.
MidlandsBiz:
What other opportunities do you see as you settle into the new location?
David Tompkins:
Our primary role as an outlet for bulk sales of South Carolina produce will not change. There are currently 325 farmers registered to sell their products here. Our hope is that we will attract even more farmers to the Market because of the great, new facilities and the ease of access of this location. We also see opportunities to offer a broader range of products: meat, and seafood as well as a greater variety of tomatoes, cantaloupes, and leafy vegetables.
Each October and April, we host a very popular plant and flower festival that attracts between 50,000 to 60,000 customers to the Market. This year the festival will be held October 7-9. People like to buy plants!
MidlandsBiz:
What message would you like to get out to the local consumer in the Midlands?
David Tompkins:
Come on down and check us out. You won't be disappointed. Many people have formed neighborhood cooperatives and come to the State Farmers Market to buy in bulk. You can buy a crate of sweet corn that may have around 50 ears of corn for under $20.00. Or just come down here on your own or with your children and buy a basket of peaches or blackberries. The Market is a great local resource.
It's fun to learn how to shop a market. It's different than going to your local grocery store, and offers you a glimpse into where your food actually comes from.
