Eat Fresh: Support Your Local Farmers Market

Ann Arbors Farmers Market by RichardD72

As the buy local revolution continues to build steam we are seeing more and more farmers markets popping up around the state. This is a great situation for such an agriculturally based state and it shows that there is not only a great demand for the products but also a desire to support our local farmers. More importantly we all get to eat fresher, tastier healthier food which once you try you will always buy given the option. Browse the paragraphs below for information on farmers markets and their impact around Michigan.

A great place to get started is the Grown and Produced in Michigan site from the MDA and visit the Michigan Farm Market and Agri-tourism Association (MI-FMAT) whose website states:

Agriculture is part of the heritage of Michigan and is the second largest factor in our economy. Michigan farm markets, organic farms, maple syrup producers, wineries and u-pick farms and orchards are all there to welcome visitors for fun on the farm. A tour of Michigan farms could include a creamery, cider mill, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, plant nursery or a tree farm. There is nothing like a day in the Michigan countryside for fresh air, fresh vegetables or maybe a little wine tasting at a Michigan vineyard. All of these are available in a very short trip and some Michigan farm markets are even open all year long. Don’t forget seasonal treats like honey, cider and mushroom hunting.

Michigan State University hosts a great website with locations of markets around the state and also information on Michigan Food & Farming Association (MIFFS) and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA).

Michigan Food and Farming Systems – MIFFS is a statewide, membership-based nonprofit organization whose purpose is to improve Michigan’s triple bottom line: our economy, our environment and the social well being of our communities through sustainable agriculture initiatives.

The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) was formed in 2006 as a state-wide association to promote local food consumption in Michigan by connecting more farmers to consumers through farmers markets.

Also be sure to explore Michigan farm markets at Michigan.org and visit Taste the Local Difference which has a listing of farmer’s markets in northwest lower Michigan and lets you know what’s ready to pick all spring and summer long!

One way we’re going to help you get local is with our Absolute Michigan Map. As one of our first projects, we’ve dug up some of Michigan’s best local farmer’s markets and laid them down on our Google map of Michigan. Just look for the jug of milk and apple icon (well, at least until we change it to something else).

You can also zoom in on the photo above – assortment by yodraws, check out the farmer’s market slideshow in the Absolute Michigan pool or jump straight to Fulton Street Market on the Absolute Michigan Map.

For a ton more info and links on Michigan produce and farmers markets search Absolute Michigan keywords farmers market!

Have a suggestion for a farmers market to add? Post it in the comments!