MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The Alabama Department of Agriculture
has canceled plans to close two farmers markets in Montgomery
because of budget cuts. Instead, they will be turned over to
outside management.

State Agriculture Commissioner John McMillan says one farmers
market in Montgomery will be operated by one of its longtime
vendors, Wright's Produce, and the state will receive $3,500 a
month in rent.

The other market will be managed by Alabama State University as
a pilot program for business students. In addition, the city of
Montgomery will lease space for a police office.

Both markets had been slated for closure due to budget cuts at
the Department of Agriculture. The five state employees who worked
at the markets are among 71 agriculture employees slated for
layoffs or retirement due to budget problems.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)