Farmers to rejoice Countrywide Farmers Current market Week

Farmers markets across Michigan will be celebrating Countrywide Farmers Market 7 days Aug. 1-7. 

The 2021 Countrywide Farmers Current market Week will focus on the job farmers marketplaces enjoy in local food items techniques and in building regional hubs for the community to link and have access to regional food items. Numerous farmers markets will be web hosting events and functions, among other issues to celebrate farmers and suppliers and show appreciation to volunteers and customers. 

“Farmers marketplaces are a important part of Michigan’s agricultural financial system,” said Michigan Section of Agriculture and Rural Advancement Director Gary McDowell. “Demand for Michigan’s food stuff and agricultural goods has in no way been better, and markets give an option for consumers to join immediately with those people products and solutions, although supporting our state’s modest firms. The financial and neighborhood impacts are truly worth celebrating.”

In 2020, 152 marketplaces recognized SNAP Bridge Cards which includes 25 new internet sites, creating additional than $1 million in farm income and producing obtain to fruits and vegetables for Michigan families. 

“From the Marquette Commons to Eastern Market place, farmers marketplaces across the condition are bringing our communities together, creating nearby economies, and placing foodstuff on the table for Michigan people,” claimed Senator Debbie Stabenow. “During this pandemic, Michigan farmers marketplaces tailored promptly to continue to be safe and sound and open up, and additional marketplaces made available Double Up Bucks so people in want could buy more nutritious fruits and vegetables. As Chairwoman of the Agriculture, Nourishment, and Forestry Committee, I’ll continue major initiatives to make positive our farmers marketplaces have the means they need to have to thrive.”

Final calendar year and into 2021 industry season, far more than 250 marketplace professionals, volunteers, sellers and many others participated in COVID-19 town corridor webinars hosted by the Michigan Farmers Market place Affiliation. The city halls were being a way for MIFA staff to enable marketplaces reply to the pandemic and continue to keep shoppers and suppliers safe and sound. More than 550 several hours of COVID reaction employees time was invested. 

“2020 was not an quick yr, but we know farmers, marketplace managers and MIFMA staff and board associates are no strangers to tricky perform and overcoming challenges,” stated Amanda Shreve, executive director of MIFMA, said. “As we rejoice 2021’s National Farmers Industry Week, we have previously viewed the power, resiliency and hope we share as a farmers marketplace community and know our markets will carry on to positively affect their communities very long outside of this week.”