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September 14, 2006 named 2nd annual “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day”

August 10, 2006: September 14, 2006 wasnamed the 2nd annual “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day.” The resolution, introduced by Rep. David Farhat, was passed in the Michigan House of Representatives on March 31, 2006 to encourage Michigan consumers to choose local food in their communities. Michigan Food & Farming Systems – MIFFS and the Michigan Department of Agriculture are sponsors for the day and have worked together to sponsor and promote several local food initiatives in the past.

Locally grown food is fresher and supports Michigan’s local communities by improving the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of those communities and the state . An increasing number of citizens are showing interest in where their food comes from and actively search for local food. Events like “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day” raise awareness and push retailers to make local food more available and easier to find.

Last year’s “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day” events were held in Muskegon, Traverse City and Grand Rapids and connected farmers, consumers and legislators together to experience the benefits of local foods. More than 30 producers, 700 consumers and representatives from retail buyers, like Meijer and D&W, had the opportunity to network, as well as sample and purchase local food products. Throughout the state, groceries and food sellers showcased local produce with “Select Michigan” signs to increase awareness and sales. As a result of this day, more Michigan farmers have been able to get their products on the shelves year-round.

This year, events took place again in Muskegon, Lansing, Traverse City and in many other places throughout the state. Communities were encouraged to host “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day” events of their own to help connect farmers to consumers. These events give consumers a chance to taste the freshness and quality of products that are grown and produced right in their own communities, and that benefit their own communities economically, environmentally and socially.

Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest economic engine, producing more than 125 different commodities and contributing $60 billion to the state’s economy on an annual basis. The variety of commodities that Michigan produces ranks it second, behind California, in agricultural diversity. More than 1 million Michigan residents are employed in the agri-food industry.

To find sources of local food in your community, visit a farmers’ market. The Michigan Farmers’ Market Association Web site lists all of Michigan’s markets at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu. You can also try direct marketing at MIFFS Marketline, www.miffsmarketline.org, or Taste the Local Difference, www.localdifference.org/.

For more information about “Buy Fresh, Buy Local – Select Michigan Day,” contact the MIFFS office by phone at 517-432-0712 or by e-mail at miffs@msu.edu.

Read more about the September 14 Farmers' Day at the Capitol!