May 20, 2009

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Select Michigan™ Program is seeking Michigan growers and companies to showcase their products during the first of two Select Michigan™ Farmers Markets on the Capitol lawn. The first event will be held Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the east lawn.

“This is an immensely popular event with limited vendor spacing available,” said Christine Lietzau, MDA’s Select Michigan Program Manager. “We are offering 50 vendor spaces to Michigan growers, food processors, specialty food companies, and other food and agriculture businesses which produce and sell products made from Michigan specialty crops. I would encourage vendors to sign up as soon as possible so they don’t miss out on this great opportunity.”

The Select Michigan™ Farmers Market on the Capitol lawn is being held to promote Michigan fresh and processed specialty crops. Specialty crops include, but are not limited to; fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, honey, herbs, flowers, and nursery crops. This market is sponsored by MDA and Michigan Food & Farming Systems with funding from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, as well as additional support from the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

There will also be several additional booth spaces available for non-profit organizations who promote the benefits of eating and buying local. The deadline for reserving booth space is Friday, June 12, 2009.

And, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the second Select Michigan™ Capitol Lawn Farmers Market being held on September 17, 2009.

Vendor information and application can be either downloaded from the Select Michigan™ website at www.selectmichigan.org or by contacting Erin Groeb at
517/373-2469 or groebe@michigan.gov.