HANCEVILLE — The opening of the farmers market at Hanceville may still be a few weeks away, but the city has decided that now’s the time to move ahead with efforts to expand and improve the market’s offerings by forging a grant-seeking partnership with Wallace State Community College (WSCC).

The Hanceville City Council approved a joint application, in conjunction with Wallace State, for a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant that, said WSCC grant specialist Kristi Barnett, could award from $50,000 to $250,000 for approved project work. If successful, the funds would go not only to improving amenities at the market, but also to student programs that directly connect Hanceville residents to the school’s small farm training program.

Barnett advised that the city apply for $50,000 in grant funds, $25,000 of which would go to fund ten training scholarships for Cullman and Blount County residents to participate in the school’s training program. Hanceville residents would hold the right of first refusal in accepting the scholarships.

Of the remaining $25,000 in potential grant funds, $15,000 would go to the farmers market for site improvement, equipment, materials and supplies. Another $5,000 would fund promoting the market through new signage and advertising, while the remaining $5,000 would endow professional development via membership in the Farmers Market Coalition, as well as other related organizations.

“I think it is ideal for the City of Hanceville, and a great partnership with Wallace State,” said Barnett. “There is no cost match to the city; all of the grant funds would come from the program. It’s designed to promote our farmer’s market, as well as domestic farming and consumption of locally-produced agriculture, and to promote people eating locally.”

The farmers market is located at the intersection of Church Avenue and Blountsville Street in downtown Hanceville. Council members Sharon Porter and Kim Brown said the market was so popular last year that local growers often sold out of their produce not long after the market would open for business.

Regardless of whether Wallace State and the city succeed in landing the grant, the farmers market will again open this year on Wednesdays and Saturdays.