Farm-fresh Alabama produce continues to grow more popular among consumers and shoppers statewide, including those at the Walker County Farmers Market where they found more vendors and produce when the market opened for the season June 7 in Jasper.The farm vendor space has nearly doubled in size since last year, thanks in part to a $20,000 contribution by the Walker County Farmers Federation.”The demand was exceeding the current facility and our county organization saw this as a way to help our farmers and our community,” said Walker County Vice President Dorman Grace. “The Walker County Commission owns the facility which is operated by the Farmers Market Association. The county commission provided the labor for the expansion, and our organization provided funding for the materials.”Grace said the donation was a way for the Walker County Farmers Federation to give back to the community. The organization also contributes money for scholarships and other ag-related projects, but this project has the opportunity to help the entire community, he said.”Our local farmers are growing more vegetables, and interest in our local market has continued to grow for the past several years,” Grace said. “When consumers get fresh Alabama produce, they know where it comes from and who grew it, and of course, it tastes better.”Walker County Farmers Federation member Huey Wakefield of Nauvoo is among the growers who bring produce to the market each week it’s open, and he serves as market manager. He said the additional space helps everyone.”We use to have 10 stalls, and at the first growers’ meeting this year we had 19 producers who showed up,” Wakefield said. “We probably will have four or five more who come later in the season. We are so appreciative that the Walker County Farmers Federation agreed to help with this project and thankful for the support it has shown. With the new addition, every grower will be under a roof with a booth, a table and a bench. It is going to be really nice.”Wakefield said last year’s market was one of the best in county history, adding that typically 14 producers showed up each market day. Those usually sold out of everything they brought by the end of the day, he said.”Seven or eight years ago we only had four or five farmers participating,” Wakefield said. “It has really grown each year since then, and the Buy Fresh, Buy Local program has been a great way to promote locally grown fruits and vegetables.”