Michigan's specialty crop producers featured during downtown market

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited the "Select Michigan" farmers' market on the State Capitol lawn to underscore the benefits of purchasing local agricultural products.  Granholm said supporting local farmers' markets is a great way to ensure that money stays in Michigan and, in some cases, can be a money-saver for the consumer since local products aren't being shipped long distances, which can increase fuel costs that are passed along to shoppers. 
 
"In these challenging times, it's exciting to see consumers demanding Michigan grown and made products - not only because it's a fresher and sometimes less expensive choice, but also because it helps support Michigan farmers, agri-businesses and local communities," said Granholm. "If every household spent $10 per week of their current grocery budget on locally grown and produced foods, it would keep almost $2 billion working for Michigan's economy every year."  
 
Michigan grows more than 200 agricultural commodities, making it the second-most diverse state in the nation.  The state's agri-food sector employs one million Michiganians and generates $71.3 billion for Michigan's economy. 
 
"Shopping at local farmers' markets is an excellent way to get a taste of Michigan and experience the freshness and variety of products grown and made right in our own backyards," said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) director.  "Michigan has 200 community farmers' markets statewide and more starting every season as consumer demand for locally grown and produced products continues to grow."
 
More than 50 Michigan producers and businesses displayed and sold their wares at the market.  Consumers were able to purchase a wide variety of products - from fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables to jams, honey, maple syrup, fresh baked goods, salsa, pickled products, and more.  Farmers also sold a wide variety of cut flowers, annuals, perennials, and herbs.
 
This event is the first of three special "Select Michigan" farmers markets planned this year to promote the benefits of local foods.  Special markets also will be held August 20 at the Eastern Market in Detroit; and September 17 to celebrate "Select Michigan Day" at the State Capitol in Lansing.

This is the fifth year a Michigan farmers market has been held at the Capitol.  It was sponsored by MDA's Select Michigan Program and the Michigan Food & Farming Systems, with funding from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and additional support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
 
For a listing of community farmers' markets, visit the Michigan Farmers Market Association Web site at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.  For a listing of local on-farm markets and u-pick establishments, visit www.michiganfarmfun.com.  For more information about the Select Michigan Program, visit www.SelectMichigan.org. 
 
For information on the upcoming special farmers markets in Detroit and Lansing, contact Christine Lietzau, Select Michigan program manager, at 517-373-9800.

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