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Governor Granholm proclaims August 6-12, 2007, Farmers’ Market Week

August 6, 2007: East Lansing, Mich. – To raise awareness about farmers markets and encourage Michigan residents to buy local food, Governor Jennifer Granholm has declared the week of August 6, 2007 to be “Farmers’ Market Week” here in the state of Michigan. The celebration coincides with National Farmers Market Week as proclaimed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns.

“I encourage the people of the United States to celebrate the benefits of farmers markets and the bountiful production of our Nation’s farmers with appropriate observances and activities,” Johanns stated.

During this week, farmers markets across the country are to be recognized as outlets for agricultural producers who act as the stewards of our land. Farmers markets offer consumers farm-fresh, healthy products; serve as a link among urban, suburban, and rural communities; and support local anti-hunger initiatives. Granholm specifically acknowledged farmers markets for their contribution to Michigan’s economy and the overall health of Michigan’s citizens.

“We’re excited to get this kind of recognition by the state to bring farmers markets into the public eye,” said Dru Montri, project manager for the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA).

MIFMA is a statewide organization developed to advance farmers markets to create a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products. It places farmers markets at the forefront of the local food movement and works to ensure all residents have access to healthy, locally grown food and that Michigan farmers markets receive policy support.

On behalf of Michigan farmers markets, MIFMA encourages the residents of Michigan to make it a priority to support Michigan’s “Farmers’ Market Week” by promoting local farmers markets and spreading the exciting news about local food. With more than 160 farmers markets in operation around the state, this should be easy to do.

Residents can also consider joining MIFMA to participate in the statewide effort of advancing Michigan farmers markets. Membership information can be found at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu by clicking on the “Join MIFMA!” tab.

For additional information about Michigan farmers markets, including a directory of market locations, visit www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu. 

The Michigan Farmers Market Association is supported by a grant from Project for Public Spaces, Inc., with funding provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

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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.