Traverse City Record-Eagle

Business

Related Photos

  • Robert Sirrine

    CSS4C1D.jpg
June 5, 2010

Ag forum: Buy fresh, local at markets

By Rob Sirrine ----

Three weeks ago Jim Bardenhagen, former Michigan State University Extension Director for Leelanau County, was awarded the annual Leelanau Farmers Market Association "Friend of the Market" Award. In the mid-1990s, Jim and a host of dedicated volunteers established the first farmers market in Leelanau County.

Leelanau now boasts six farmers markets, where the growth parallels that of farmers markets nationwide. According to the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, the number of operating farmers markets has increased more than three-fold since 1994, to 5,274 in 2009. There are several beneficiaries of local farmers markets.

First, direct marketing of agricultural products to consumers provides a growing source of income for local farmers, which helps to keep the land in agriculture. Consumers also benefit through access to fresh, locally grown food, often sold by the farmers themselves. This provides an opportunity for consumers to interact with farmers and serves to re-establish people's knowledge of where their food comes from.

Finally, purchasing food that's grown locally benefits the community as a whole. Several studies around the country have documented the additional benefits that are realized when money is spent at local businesses, a category that includes farmers. A larger portion of the money is then re-circulated locally — a concept dubbed the "multiplier effect." Studies suggest that every dollar spent at a local business generates an additional $3 to $5.

In addition to the Leelanau County markets, northwest Michigan offers successful markets in Traverse City, Elk Rapids and Frankfort to name a few. Last year the Leelanau Farmers Market Association (LFMA) established a Friday market in Northport, and this year we welcome a Sunday market in Lake Leelanau. And with grant funding from the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), the Suttons Bay Market will be accepting Bridge cards for the first time this season. This represents a win-win situation for the community as residents will be able to purchase locally grown fresh food and local farmers will benefit from expected increased sales. If the program goes well, the LFMA hopes to expand the bridge card program to the other five county markets.

Since everyone eats, why not spend your hard-earned dollars supporting your local farmers and community?

You may even see Jim Bardenhagen at one of the markets peddling his red, white and blue potatoes or Gingergold apples. If you do, please congratulate him on his "Friend of the Market" Award.

Dr. J. Robert Sirrine is the Leelanau County Director for Michigan State University Extension. He collaborates with colleagues to develop and offer agriculture and natural resource programs in northwest Michigan.

Text Only

AP Video
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium 50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com