February 1, 2008

LANSING - Thanks to a new partnership with the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association (MI-FMAT), Farm Bureau Insurance, and Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto today announced plans to produce the popular Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Directory for 2008.

“I encourage family farmers, agri-businesses, and others across the state to take advantage of this low-cost, high-benefit opportunity to promote their businesses," said Koivisto. “This directory makes potential visitors aware of the diverse and unique opportunities existing in Michigan to select fresh, safe, and high quality, locally grown food and agricultural products; and to enjoy recreational experiences; and reconnect with their agricultural roots.”

Under this new partnership, the directory will be ready for distribution by the end of April 2008. MI-FMAT will provide overall direction and support for the project, with in-kind support provided by MDA and Michigan Farm Bureau, and significant financial contribution from Farm Bureau Insurance to help cover printing and shipping costs.

Cost for a listing in the 2008 Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Directory is $100, and the deadline is Friday, February 15, 2008.

“As an added bonus, each paid listing in the directory includes a one-year membership to MI-FMAT and all the benefits that go with membership,” said Steve Tennes, MI-FMAT board president. “This is a great opportunity for farm marketers to experience what MI-FMAT has to offer while promoting their businesses in this popular directory.”

The 2008 Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Directory will be available at Travel Michigan Welcome Centers, through local Farm Bureau Insurance agencies in every county, at many farm markets, farmers’ markets, and other locations.

Advertising opportunities also exist for agriculture businesses, commodity organizations, restaurants, lodging businesses, tourism associations, non-agricultural tourism attractions, and others interested in promoting their businesses or events through the directory. If you are interested in advertising rates, or have questions about the directory, please contact Tim Rogers, Advertising Sales Manager, Michigan Farm Bureau, at 517-323-6543, or by email at trogers@michfb.com.

In addition to the printed directory, farm listings will be included in a searchable database on MI-FMAT’s consumer Web site at www.MichiganFarmFun.com. Links to the electronic directory will also be accessible from MDA’s agricultural tourism Web page at www.michigan.gov/agtourism, the Michigan Farm Bureau Web site at www.michiganfarmbureau.com, and the Farm Bureau Insurance Web site at www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com.

For more information about MI-FMAT and its mission and services, visit www.MichiganFarmFun.com. For more information about agricultural tourism and Michigan’s food and agriculture industry, visit www.michigan.gov/mda. Additional directory forms can be obtained online at either Web site above, or via email at lipej@michigan.gov.

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