Today, in downtown Wilson at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park (VSWP), officials broke ground for the new farmers market shelter.
The farmers market will initially benefit twenty-one farm businesses in Wilson and surrounding counties in addition to local businesses within a two block radius of the park. There will be space for up to 24 10 x 10 booths under shelter and 15 – 30 more in the adjacent plaza. This will become a venue for fresh local foods and community events.
Agriculture is still a large segment of Wilson County’s economy, but small farms are struggling and historic downtown Wilson is suffering from the loss of the tobacco auction system. The VSWP serves as the centerpiece and as a developing economic boost of the downtown area.
Funding for Farmers Market Shelter is provided by North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission and USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG). The RBDG program is one of several that support rural economic development. Since 2009, USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service has helped 85,000 rural businesses nationwide.
Wilson is located within a designated StrikeForce county. StrikeForce is part of the Obama Administration's commitment to address persistent poverty across America. USDA identifies census tracts with over 20 percent poverty (according to American Community Survey data) to identify sub-county pockets of poverty. As areas of persistent poverty are identified, USDA staff work with state, local and community officials to increase awareness of USDA programs and help build program participation through intensive community outreach and technical assistance.
USDA Rural Development has 6 Area Offices and 14 field offices across the state serving North Carolinians living in rural areas and communities. Area Office locations are in Asheville, Shelby, Lumberton, Asheboro, Henderson and Kinston. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office www.rd.usda.gov/nc or by visiting the USDA Rural Development website at www.rd.usda.gov.