By Lynsey Mukomel
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) announced a new Farmers to Markets program to help boost farmers’ sales at local markets and increase community access to Michigan-grown foods.
“The Farmers to Markets program will strengthen regional food systems by supporting reliable season-long sales for Michigan farmers market vendors, reducing risks associated with new market entry while promoting sales of local agriculture products,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “By building vendor capacity at participating markets, we can give Michigan families more access to nutritious, locally grown foods throughout the market season. This program will be a win-win for Michigan’s hardworking growers and vendors and Michiganders who prioritize knowing where their food comes from.”
Through Farmers to Markets, MDARD will invest up to $492,000 to increase the number of farmer vendors at community-driven marketplaces throughout Michigan. MDARD and MIFMA will use these funds to provide direct support to vendors experiencing barriers to market entry or participation.
Source : michigan.gov