September 13, 2007

LANSING - More than 50 Michigan farmers and specialty food producers displayed and sold their wares today at a special “Select Michigan Day” farmers’ market on the east lawn of the Michigan State Capitol. Patrons purchased a variety of products - from fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables to jams, honey, maple syrup, fresh baked goods, wool products, Lake Superior whitefish and more. Farmers also sold a wide variety of cut flowers, annuals, perennials and herbs.

Governor Granholm declared this week, September 9-15, 2007, as Select Michigan Week, and the state legislature proclaimed today Select Michigan Day, to help build awareness of the benefits of buying locally grown and processed food and agriculture products.

During the market, the Food Bank Council of Michigan launched its 2007 Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign to raise food and funds to operate the state’s food banks. This year’s goal is to raise $350,000 and 500,000 pounds of food, and the campaign emphasizes not only giving locally to support Michigan families in need, but buying locally to further help our local farm families and the state’s economy.

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

“This farmers’ market showcases the bounty, and diversity, of Michigan agriculture while promoting the importance of purchasing locally grown and processed food and agricultural products,” said MDA Director Don Koivisto. “Consumers who buy locally not only get a great product, but if every state household spent just $10 per week on Michigan-produced food, they would generate $37 million each week for our economy.”

Michigan grows more than 200 agricultural commodities, making it the second-most diverse state in the nation and generates $60.1 billion for the state economy. Buying locally means consumers receive fresher, high quality foods, and these local purchases support local farmers, agri-businesses, rural communities and Michigan’s economy.

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.