Blueberries by rdmegr

It’s summertime in Michigan, and that means it’s fresh produce season! You are invited to a special “Buy Local, Buy Fresh -- Select Michigan” farmers’ market on the east lawn of the State Capitol, Thursday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

This is the fourth year the market has been held at the Capitol, and with 50 vendors signed up to participate, this year’s market will be bigger and better than ever! Local farmers and specialty food producers from across Michigan will offer their locally grown, processed and manufactured products for sale, including fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, wool products, grains, beans, jams, jellies, baked goods, lamb, Lake Superior whitefish, flowers, plants, specialty foods, and much more.

Buying locally means you receive fresher, high quality foods, and these local purchases support our farmers, agri-businesses, rural communities, and our state's economy. In fact, if every Michigan household spent just $10 per week on Michigan-produced food, it would generate nearly $40 million each and every week. Whether this is your first trip to the Select Michigan farmers market, or you are a return shopper, come and experience the benefits of local foods firsthand.

The farmers’ market is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Agriculture; Michigan Food and Farming Systems; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, with additional support from the Michigan Farmers’ Market Association, the Food Bank Council of Michigan and Michigan farmers and specialty food producers. If you have questions, please contact Jeanne Lipe, Michigan Department of Agriculture, at 517/373-9790.

2008 Farmers Market Vendor Info

For a listing of community farmers’ markets, local on-farm markets, and u-pick establishments in our state, visit www.michigan.gov/mda-upick. The Michigan Farmers’ Market Association also has a listing of community farmers’ markets on its Web site at www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.