May 29, 2009

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Select Michigan™ Program is seeking Michigan producers of non-specialty crops such as meat, dairy, fish, eggs, etc. to showcase their products during the first of two Select Michigan™ Farmers Markets on the Capitol lawn. The first event will be held Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the east lawn. The cost for producers or companies to participate in this category is $30.

“This is an immensely popular event with limited vendor spacing available,” said Christine Lietzau, MDA’s Select Michigan Program Manager. “The Select Michigan™ Farmers Market on the Capitol lawn is being held to promote Michigan food and agriculture products. I would encourage vendors to sign up as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on this great opportunity.”

This market is sponsored by MDA and Michigan Food & Farming Systems with funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, as well as additional support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

The deadline for reserving booth space is Friday, June 12, 2009.

And don’t forget to hold the date of September 17, 2009 for the second Select Michigan™ Capitol Lawn Farmers Market.

Vendor information and application can be either downloaded from the Select Michigan™ website at www.selectmichigan.org or by contacting Erin Groeb at 517/373-2469 or groebe@michigan.gov.