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2011 Farmers Markets at the Capitol Set for August 4 and September 15

April 28, 2011: Get ready to celebrate and mark your calendars for this summer’s “Farmers Markets at the Capitol” which will take place Thursday, August 4 and Thursday, September 15 on the East lawn of the Capitol Building in downtown Lansing.

Michigan Food & Farming Systems (MIFFS) and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), will be hosting these special farmers markets for the fifth consecutive celebrate Michigan farmers and to raise awareness about the many benefits of fresh, local food to our economy and communities.

The 2011 “Farmers Markets at the Capitol” each plan to feature roughly 50 farmers and vendors from across the state selling their Michigan-grown and processed goods. Vendor applications will be available at www.mifma.org on June 20 to MIFFS and MIFMA members, who will receive their applications in advance and have the first opportunity to apply. Applications will be widely open July 1. To join MIFFS or MIFMA, visit www.miffs.org/join.asp or www.mifma.org/join. 

Vendor fees are $60 per 10-foot space for non-members or $40 per 10 feet for MIFFS and MIFMA vendors. Vendors requiring electricity will be responsible for an additional $15 fee.

This summer’s markets will also accept 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. Thank you to the Lansing City Market for helping make this possible.

These markets are an excellent venue for putting the spotlight on Michigan agriculture and local food to show Michigan residents, legislators and media how important the growing agri-food industry is to this state, especially in these tough economic times. In fact, the farmers and vendors at these farmers markets last year averaged nearly $1000 in sales per vendor in July, ringing up more than $82,000 in total sales for the two markets held at the Capitol in 2010.

For more information, contact Maggie Smith, market coordinator, at 517-432-3381 or smithm833@gmail.com or visit www.mifma.org.

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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.