Southern University to Open JagFresh Farmers Market

New initiative aims to support Black farmers and provide fresh produce to the community.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is planning to open the JagFresh Farmers Market this spring. The new market, created in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, will feature around 60 vendors selling a variety of fresh products, from goat soap to honey to eggs. The market is part of a pilot program that launched last year, with Southern University being one of only three historically Black colleges and universities selected to participate.

Why it matters

The JagFresh Farmers Market aims to support Black farmers and provide the local community with access to fresh, locally-sourced produce and other goods. This initiative is significant as Black farmers have historically faced barriers to accessing markets and selling their products, and the market will help address this disparity.

The details

The JagFresh Farmers Market will feature around 60 vendors, including a mobile nutrition kitchen, who will set up tents monthly on Southern University's campus. The market will sell a variety of fresh products, from goat soap to honey to eggs, to not only the student community but the community at large.

  • The JagFresh Farmers Market is planned to open this spring.

The players

Southern University

A public historically Black university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

United States Department of Agriculture

The federal department responsible for developing and executing policies related to agriculture, food, natural resources, and related issues.

Cornelius Jackson

The director of the JagFresh Farmers Market initiative at Southern University.

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What they’re saying

“Black farmers are the legacy makers of farming. Just to have black farmers still in existence coming out and having the ability to sell and grow the things we eat on a regular basis, I think, is one of the most beneficial things to our communities.”

— Cornelius Jackson, Director, JagFresh Farmers Market (WBRZ)

The takeaway

The JagFresh Farmers Market represents an important initiative to support Black farmers and provide the local community with access to fresh, locally-sourced produce and other goods. By creating this market, Southern University is helping to address historical disparities and strengthen the local food system.