< back to News homepage

“Buy Local Day” Farmers’ Market Took over Capitol Steps on July 12

July 14, 2007 : EAST LANSING, MI – Lansing consumers and farmers’ market patrons flocked to the east lawn of the Capitol on July 12, 2007 for a special “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” farmers’ market celebrating Michigan farmers and agricultural products. More than 25 Michigan farmers and specialty food producers sold products including fruits and vegetables, honey, jams, baked goods, cooking sauces, maple syrup, wool products, fresh cut flowers, herbs and potted plants.

The farmers’ market, sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Select Michigan Program and the Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS), with funding from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, and additional support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association and the Food Bank Council of Michigan, connected Michigan farmers to their state community. The event raised awareness and enthusiasm for local food and Michigan agriculture and geared up for the 3 rd annual “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day” on September 13, 2007.

Michigan grows more than 200 agricultural commodities, generating $60.1 billion yearly and making it the second-most diverse state in the nation in agricultural production. Buying locally delivers a fresher and tastier product to consumers and connects them to their local farmers, and local purchases help strengthen local farmers, communities and economy. 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.

“ Michigan has more than 160 community farmers’ markets across the state, and these markets are a great source of fresh, local food and agriculture products,” said MIFFS Executive Director, Elaine Brown. “Thanks to community farmers’ markets, more than 220 on-farm markets and the easy access to fresh local foods they provide, more and more people are realizing the taste, health and economic benefits of buying local. If you enjoyed today’s market, make sure to visit your local farmers’ market to purchase more great Michigan products.”

The Michigan Farmers Market Association offers a comprehensive list of farmers’ markets around the state on their Web site at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu. Visit them today to find local markets in your community. The Michigan Department of Agriculture also lists community farmers’ markets, local on-farm markets and u-pick establishments at www.michigan.gov/mda-upick.

This event is the first of four special farmers’ markets planned for this year promoting the benefits of local food. Special markets will also be held August 22 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit; August 22-September 3, during the 13 days of the Michigan State Fair, at the fairgrounds in Detroit; and September 13, “Buy Fresh, Buy Local - Select Michigan Day” at the State Capitol in Lansing. For more information about the upcoming special farmers’ markets, click here!