Mar 21, 2016

Economic impact study will look at Michigan farmers markets

The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) has received a $60,000 Rural Business Development Grant from the USDA to conduct an economic impact study of Michigan farmers markets. Planning began in November of 2015 and the study will be conducted during the 2016 season. The goal of the project is to identify and recognize the economic contribution farmers markets make to Michigan’s rural communities.

“We know that farmers markets are important economic contributors to our Michigan communities. But how much? This study will allow community and economic developers to better understand how farmers markets contribute to the future economic vitality of Michigan,” explains USDA Rural Development Michigan State Director James Turner.

MIFMA will provide training and technical assistance to measure the impact of seven farmers markets located in six rural communities. The farmers markets selected for the project are located in Boyne City, Marquette, Menominee, Munising, Port Huron and Traverse City. These six selected communities were identified because of their demonstrated capacity to create partnerships between their farmers market and other organizations as well as their commitment to recordkeeping and interest in data collection. The farmers markets in these communities also work directly with MIFMA through participation in the Hoophouses for Health program.