The farmers’ market at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick is among four weekly markets set to open at state parks across Rhode Island the coming days.

The markets will begin by offering bedding plants, hanging plants, cut flowers, meat, early vegetable crops, honey and maple syrup. During the summer, as local crops become available, the markets will expand.

The Goddard Park market will be open on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning on May 2. All state park markets will be operated by the Department of Environmental Management.

“With the growing demand for locally-grown products, seasonal farmers’ markets help create a more sustainable, locally-based food system that benefits the Rhode Island economy and environment,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.

The other state park markets and hours of operation are: Colt State Park in Bristol, Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on May 2; Fishermen’s Memorial State Park in Narragansett, Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning on May 4; and Haines Memorial State Park on Route 103 on the East Providence/Barrington line, Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on May 7.

Additional farmers’ markets operated by DEM will open in late July through late October, including: Capitol Hill in Providence, Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning on July 24; Johnston Memorial Park on Route 6 (Hartford Avenue), Mondays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on July 28; and State Pier Nine in Newport, Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on July 25.

Most vendors at DEM farmers’ markets accept farmers’ market checks from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. The successful Senior Farmers’ Nutrition Program for purchase of fruits and vegetables will be offered at all DEM markets as the season progresses.

DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Resource Marketing offers a free brochure that lists the locations and information of all farmers’ markets and roadside stands. To obtain a free brochure, or participate in the state farmers’ markets, please contact the DEM at 222-2781 or visit www.dem.ri.gov.