bobby.mathews@demopolistimes.com

DEMOPOLIS &8212; Area residents will soon have a new place to find fresh vegetables and fruit.

The Demopolis City Council approved a measure for a farmer&8217;s market at the old State Trooper site on Highway 80.

The first open market is set for June 7 from 7 a.m. until noon. Smith said the space for the farmer&8217;s market is limited, and the participants would be limited by invitation only.

Council member Jack Cooley asked what protection the city could expect if a grower tried to pass off food that is not locally grown.

Smith answered that the state will certify each participant before the market, ensuring only local produce is available at the market.

The market will benefit consumers in another way: The city will not levy taxes on the produce certified by the state.

The state of Alabama toyed with a grocery tax abatement bill that would have eliminated sales tax on groceries, but the bill ultimately stalled in the Senate.

The city council unanimously approved the use of the old State Trooper site