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Lieutenant Governor Visits Farmers Market on the Capitol Lawn, Underscores Benefits of Buying Local
Buying locally grown and processed food is good for Michigan’s economy

September 16, 2010 - Lansing, MI – Today, nearly 60 farmers and vendors from across the state gathered on the east lawn of the Capitol to sell their Michigan-grown and processed products for the “Farmers Market at the Capitol”. Lieutenant Governor John Cherry joined the crowds of shoppers, underscoring the importance of Michigan agriculture and buying local.

“I’m proud to participate in such a great event that promotes Michigan’s agriculture industry,” said Cherry.  “Being from a rural community myself, I know firsthand how valuable farmers markets are to neighborhoods and communities. Farmers markets not only benefit the local economy but individual citizens as well who gain from the fresh local ingredients and foods.”

Vendors from Sault Ste. Marie to South Haven to Bad Axe sold 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 of this was just a sample of the more than 200 agricultural commodities that Michigan produces.

“The agri-food industry generates more than $70 billion for our state’s economy and employs one million Michigan workers,” said Elaine Brown, Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) executive director. “It has been steadily growing, thanks to growing consumer demand for Michigan products, which farmers markets like this one feature.”

Today’s market accepted Bridge Cards and Project FRESH, 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.

The Food Bank Council of Michigan also kicked off the 20th Michigan Harvest Gathering, its annual campaign to raise food and funds to support Michigan’s food banks and feed hungry families, at the farmers market this year. Consumers and vendors alike were able to donate fresh food to families in need at the market.

This is the fifth year that a farmers market has been held on the Capitol lawn, and this market was the largest yet. This market was hosted by Michigan Food & Farming Systems (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 at Michigan State University (MSU), Lansing Community College, USDA Rural Development, Food Bank Council of Michigan, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, MSU Federal Credit Union, Independent Bank, MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lansing City Market, and Greater Lansing Michigan Convention & Visitors Bureau.

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 the “Farmers Markets at the Capitol”, 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.