LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has announced new federal funding for Farmers Markets in Michigan.
The funding will be granted to the Michigan Farmers Market Association in the form of $362,791 in expanding farmers markets throughout the state, as well as growing customer bases.
“Farmers markets spur economic development in local communities, connect more families with Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables, and create new markets for local farmers,” Senator Stabenow said in a statement. “This is a win-win for everyone.”
Part of the funding will be used to increase the visibility of different markets, such as helping make it easier for customers to find information about markets online.
“The Michigan Farmers Market Association is very excited to have been awarded a grant from the Farmers Market Promotion Program,” Executive Director of the Michigan Farmers Market Association Amanda Shreve said. “This funding will expand consumer awareness of, attendance, and purchasing at Michigan’s 300 farmers markets. The project will include a statewide outreach campaign and a robust data collection plan to document and assess the impact on farmers markets throughout our state.
We applaud Senator Stabenow on her work in the Farm Bill process to ensure resources are invested to help connect consumers to healthy, local food and support the viability of farms and food businesses that power local food systems.”
Permanent funding was established by Stabenow for Michigan Farmers Markets through the 2018 Farm Bill under the Local Agriculture Market Program.
