May 01, 2008

LANSING - Just in time for spring bedding plants, hanging flowering baskets, nursery stock, and fresh Michigan asparagus, the 2008 Michigan Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism directory is now available.

“This statewide listing of farm markets, U-pick operations, corn mazes, cider mills and much more, has been produced in Michigan since 1980,” said Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). “It remains the perfect pocket guide for those looking for farm fresh Michigan produce, specialty food products like jams, jellies, baked goods, maple syrup and honey, or for family friendly activities down on the farm.”

The 2008 directory was created by a partnership among the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association (MI-FMAT), Farm Bureau Insurance, Michigan Farm Bureau, and the MDA. Copies of the directory are available at all 13 Michigan Welcome Centers and at Farm Bureau Insurance agencies across the state.

The 2008 directory has more farm market listings than last year’s, features an alphabetical index, and a new regional tab design to help customers find the markets and products they are searching for. It also features 16 full-color pages and an availability chart showing when the various types of fresh fruits and vegetables produced in Michigan are in season.

“The Michigan Farm Marketing and Agri-Tourism Association is proud to provide this directory for our customers,” said Steve Tennes, MI-FMAT board president and operator of The Country Mill in Charlotte. “Michigan farm marketers are gearing up for a terrific season, and look forward to welcoming visitors to their farms to share our high quality, locally grown food and agricultural products and unique on-farm experiences.”

In addition to the printed directory, farm listings can be accessed via a searchable database on MI-FMAT’s Web site at www.MichiganFarmFun.com. Links to the electronic directory are also 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 the Farm Bureau Insurance agent nearest you, visit www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com. For more information about MI-FMAT and its mission and services, visit www.MichiganFarmFun.com.