COURTLAND—Southeast Virginia Farmers Market’s summer produce auctions are under way.

Every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the market on Agripark Drive in Courtland, folks can bid on fruits and vegetables from local and out-of-town growers. Produce at last week’s initial auction for the season included watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, cantaloupe, squash and beans.

Auctioneer Mark Schnur claims the produce at the auction costs less than retail.

“Watermelons are getting expensive,” Schnur said, noting one business wanted $10 for one watermelon.

Some of the first bidders paid $5 or $6 for a box of produce.

Schnur said fruits and vegetables don’t have to be bought in bulk.

“Homeowners can buy stuff too,” he said. “This could be (part of their) their weekly groceries.”

By mid-July the auctions are usually packed with buyers and sellers.

Buyers should register upon arrival to get bid cards, while sellers should register their lots of produce and set up.

For information, call Mike Marks at 653-0728.