Twenty Farmers’ Markets Awarded USDA Grants

Publication: W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Published: 10/26/06

Grants totaling $900,000 were awarded in September by the United States Department of Agriculture to 20 farmers’ markets in 17 states. The grants were made under USDA’s new Farmers Market Promotion Program – a program to establish or promote local farmers markets, roadside stands, and similar agricultural ventures.

One of the grants was awarded to the Central Macomb Chamber of Commerce of Mount Clemens, Michigan, for its project, “Increasing Customers Through Effective Marketing Strategies for the Mount Clemens Farmers’ Market.” That project will focus on developing a more thorough understanding of customer shopping habits at a largely volunteer-run community farmers market. The goal is to increase the market’s visibility through various signage, advertising and communication strategies and to provide a more sustainable source of farm-based income for regional horticultural growers threatened by urban sprawl.

Dru Montri, project manager of the developing Michigan Farmers’ Market Association was excited to hear that the Mount Clemens Farmers’ Market had been selected as a grant recipient. “The Mount Clemens Farmers’ Market is providing a great example for the more than 150 farmers’ markets in the state. This project can be seen as a model for both established and emerging markets looking to increase their consumer base, farmer participation, and vendor sales.”

For more information about the Mount Clemons Farmers’ Market call (586) 493-7600 or visit www.downtownmountclemens.com. For additional information about the Michigan Farmers’ Market Association and Michigan farmers’ markets, visit www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu.

For a complete listing of the 20 projects awarded USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grants visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/FMPP/FMPP-06-Awards.pdf.

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