Farmers Markets in Calumet, Marquette get grants

Nine Michigan cities or agencies are going to be the recipient of grants through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including Calumet, Manistique and Marquette in the Upper Peninsula.

The grants, which are being distributed to 149 total entities in 42 states and the District of Columbia, total $9.2 million in investment. Out of that sum, $470,000 will be distributed between the nine here in Michigan. Other recipients are located in Ann Arbor, Edmore, Clare, Holland, Wyandotte and Detroit.

“Earlier this year, we reported that more than 1,000 new farmers markets have been recorded across the United States, totaling 7,175 markets,” says Kathleen Merrigan, deputy secretary with the USDA. “Through programs like (Farmers Market Promotion Program), we believe that USDA’s contributions to direct farm-to-consumer marketing are providing alternative economic opportunities for our nation’s agricultural producers.”

Since its inception in 2006, the Farmers Marketing Promotion Program has awarded more than $23 million across the country to support direct producer-to-consumer marketing and local food projects.

Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Kathleen Merrigan, USDA