HUNTSVILLE — The Madison County Farmers Market is one of the oldest businesses in Alabama. What started out in the basement of the Madison County Courthouse in 1814 has now flourished into a beloved North Alabama treasure.

The Madison County Farmers Market moved several times before finally landing in the current building, which was constructed in 1984 at 1022 Cook Ave. In the 1950s, it was called the Madison County Club Market. At some point later, it was at the Mathias Farm, where only tomatoes were sold and it was aptly called the “Tomato House.” The current property was found in the early 1980s, where it still resides today.

“Famer’s markets have been a part of Alabama history since the beginning,” said Ellie Watson, Director of Sweet Grown Alabama.

Sweet Grown Alabama is a nonprofit that works to connect Alabama farmers with retailers and consumers.  Sweet Grown Alabama also provides searchable database allows consumers to easily connect with local farmers in their area and find specific Alabama grown products.

“I would encourage consumers to continue to support our farmers markets so they will be able to continue for generations to come,” she said.

Hours at the Madison County farmers market are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. The market runs from May to November, with the busy season beginning in June. The end of the market building are earmarked for commercial vendors who buy and sell a variety of produce, while the middle section is meant for produce farmers to sell fresh fruit and vegetables.

Corn, okra, tomatoes and squash are among the most popular crops found at the Madison County Farmers Market, but fresh greens, beans, field peas and fresh fruits are always abundantly available, as well.