LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Gov. Dave Heineman is urging Nebraska residents to visit local farmers’ markets this summer to buy locally grown produce.

Heineman is also touting a state program that gives coupons to low-income senior citizens so they can buy food at local farmers’ markets.

The state agriculture department says 5,400 participating seniors redeemed $223,000 worth of coupons last year. This year’s program kicked off on June 1.

State agriculture officials say there are more than 75 markets now in 62 cities throughout Nebraska. More than 600 produce growers have registered with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, up from 78 in 2000.