July 12, 2007

Lansing - More than 25 Michigan farmers and specialty food producers displayed and sold their wares today at a special “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” farmers’ market on the east lawn of the Michigan State Capitol. Patrons were able to purchase a wide variety of products - from fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables to jams, honey, maple syrup, fresh baked goods, wool products and more. Farmers also sold a wide variety of cut flowers, annuals, perennials and herbs.

The farmers’ market, sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Select Michigan Program and the Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS), with funding from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, and additional support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Food Bank Council of Michigan, promoted the benefits of buying locally and made a personal connection between farmers and consumers.

“This farmers’ market not only highlights the state’s specialty crops, but also promotes the importance of purchasing locally grown and processed Michigan food and agricultural products,” said MDA Director Mitch Irwin. “Consumers who buy locally get a tastier product grown in their own state and keeps money circulating in their communities.”

Michigan grows more than 200 agricultural commodities, making it the second-most diverse state in the nation and generating $60.1 billion for the state. Buying locally means consumers receive fresher, high quality foods, and these local purchases support local farmers, agri-businesses, rural communities and Michigan’s economy. In fact, if every Michigan household spent just $10 per week on Michigan-produced food, it would generate nearly $40 million each and every week.

“Michigan has more than 160 community farmers’ markets across the state, and these markets are a great source of fresh, local food and agriculture products,” said MIFFS Executive Director Elaine Brown. “Thanks to community farmers’ markets and over 220 on-farm markets and the easy access to fresh local foods they provide, more and more people are realizing the taste, health and economic benefits of buying local. If you enjoyed today’s market, make sure to visit your local farmers’ market to purchase more great
Michigan products.”

This event is the first of four special farmers’ markets planned for this year promoting the benefits of local food. Special markets will also be held August 22 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit; August 22-September 3, during the 13 days of the Michigan State Fair, at the fairgrounds in Detroit; and September 13, “Buy Fresh, Buy Local - Select Michigan Day” at the State Capitol in Lansing.

For a listing of community farmers’ markets, local on-farm markets, and u-pick establishments in our state, visit www.michigan.gov/mda-upick. The Michigan Farmers’ Market Association also has a listing of community farmers’ markets on its Web site at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu. For more information about the upcoming special farmers’ markets in Detroit and Lansing, contact Jeanne Lipe at (517) 373-9790.

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“Select Michigan - it’s good for you, our growers, and our state’s economy.”