June 19, 2007

Lansing - Local farm markets, u-pick establishments and community farmers' markets have kicked off the summer season with delicious offerings of Michigan fresh fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, asparagus and more.

These hidden treasures can be found through the "Michigan Farm Market, U-Pick & Agricultural Tourism" searchable database available at www.michigan.gov/mda-upick. The Michigan Farmers' Market Association also has a listing of community farmers' markets on their Web site at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.

"Buying locally means consumers receive fresher, high quality foods, and these local purchases support our farmers, agri-businesses, rural communities, and our state's economy," said Mitch Irwin, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) director. "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."

Consumers are encouraged to select Michigan products by visiting the hundreds of local farm markets, agricultural tourism operations, farmers' markets and specialty food producers across Michigan offering locally grown, processed and manufactured products for sale, including: fresh produce, eggs, honey, jams, jellies, baked goods, flowers, trees, shrubs, plants, soy-based soaps and lotions, wool products and much more.

A broad array of agricultural tourism information, wineries, events and Michigan products, can also be found by visiting www.michigan.gov/agtourism.

Additionally, MDA's Select Michigan program has several fresh product promotions scheduled throughout the season, including: blueberries, peaches, and apples. Select Michigan is the state's marketing program for food and agriculture products encouraging retailers and consumers to purchase food and agriculture products grown and processed in Michigan, through cooperative advertising, in-store promotions and product sampling.