July 22, 2010
July 22, 2010
Buying locally grown and processed food is good for Michigan's economy
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited the farmers market on the east lawn of the State Capitol to purchase Michigan-grown and processed products sold by vendors from around the state, underscoring the importance of Michigan agriculture and buying local. Dollars spent at markets like these are more likely to stay in Michigan, strengthening our local economy.
"Today's market really showcases the bounty of opportunity for budding agri-entrepreneurs in Michigan," Granholm said. "Food producers in our state offer an abundance of high-quality crops, meats and dairy products, making Michigan second only to California in agricultural diversity."
Nearly 50 vendors from Sault Ste. Marie to South Haven to Bad Axe gathered on the lawn to sell their Michigan-grown and processed products at the market. Consumers could purchase a wide variety of products, including fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, flowers, jams, jellies, baked goods, honey, maple syrup, fish and meat, salsas, dips, pickled products, soaps and more - all this just a sample of the more than 200 agricultural commodities that Michigan produces.
"The growing agri-food industry is so important to this state, especially in these tough times, generating more than $71 billion for our economy and employing one million Michigan workers," said Elaine Brown, Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) executive director. "Shopping at farmers markets is a wonderful way to support that industry and make fresh, healthy food available for everyone."
Today's market accepted Bridge Cards and Project FRESH for the first time, ensuring that all Michigan residents have access to the fresh, local fruits, vegetables, meats and baked goods that the markets have to offer. Of Michigan's more than 220 farmers markets, 57 are accepting Bridge Cards, increasing local food access in rural and urban areas.
This is the fifth year a farmers market has been held on the Capitol lawn. The market was hosted by MIFFS, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA). Sponsors for the event were the C.S. Mott Group for Sustainable Food Systems, Michigan State University (MSU), GreenStone Farm Credit Services, and the MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
To find a full list of farmers markets in Michigan, visit the MIFMA Web site at www.mifma.org and click "Find a Farmers Market." To learn more about MIFFS, visit www.miffs.org
For more information on this or the next "Farmers Market at the Capitol" September 22, contact Maggie Smith, market coordinator, at 517-432-3381 or smith833@msu.edu
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Founded in 1998, MIFFS is a statewide membership organization (501c3) whose purpose is to promote diverse efforts that foster and sustain food and farming systems that improve economic, ecological and social well-being. MIFFS has been effective at establishing successful partnerships among producers, markets and institutions that have created more profitable, environmentally friendly food systems in Michigan.
The organization's vision is based on the premise that agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship and profitability reinforce each other for the benefit of Michigan's rural and urban communities. To learn more, please visit www.miffs.org or call (517) 432-0712.
