Oct 18, 2013

Farm market tour showcases six new locations

The Great Lakes EXPO Farm Market Bus Tour will be visiting six never-been-toured markets for its sixth annual tour on Monday, Dec. 9 – the day before the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO opens. The 2013 tour will take attendees through west Michigan farm markets and agritourism locations.

The daylong tour will provide a glimpse into one of the country’s most agriculturally diverse states, where attendees will learn some creative techniques on how farmers get their products onto the tables of consumers. There will be plenty of opportunities, both en route to markets and at the location visits, to engage with other farm marketers to share ideas, explore opportunities and discuss profitable market enhancements and how to overcome challenges. Markets on the tour represent a diverse mix of large and small operations, which can aid attendees who are looking to expand their markets as well as those who want to keep their markets the same size but add new features.

The markets on this year’s tour are Avalon Farms Homegrown, Bosserd Family Farm, Country Mill, Haigh’s Maple Syrup & Supplies, MOO-ville Creamery and Schultz’s Fruitridge Farms. The tour lunch will be hosted at MOO-Ville Creamery and will include their homemade ice cream.

Sponsored by Fruit Growers News, Vegetable Growers News and the Michigan Agri-Tourism Association, the event also is supported by Michigan State University Extension. Extension personnel will serve as tour hosts and will share current research projects and help foster new ideas and implementation plans. While traveling on the bus between stops, interactive discussions will be led by Bob Tritten, district Extension fruit educator for southeast Michigan, and Ron Goldy, district Extension vegetable educator for southwest Michigan, to share information, discuss issues and explore new ideas to boost partnerships and create collaborations.

The cost to attend is $155, and includes transportation to all farm markets from DeVos Place, lunch and snacks. Registration is limited and only guaranteed until Nov. 14. Visit the EXPO website and sign up at the same time you register to attend the EXPO, or visit the tour website.

Call 616-887-9008, ext. 121, if you have questions or need additional information. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to see and learn about new possibilities for your market while networking with other farm marketers.