MEDC announces farmers market grant winners

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $200,000 in grants for 10 farmers markets around the state.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $200,000 in grants for 10 farmers markets around the state.

“Farmers markets improve our downtowns and bring vitality and a sense of place to our communities,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “These grants will support local markets, strengthen communities and create jobs in our state.” 

The farmers markets chosen for today’s awards are located in Delhi Charter Township, Gladstone, Marquette, Boyne City, Port Sanilac, Gaylord, Chelsea, East Lansing, Grand Ledge and Canton Township (additional details below). The winning projects will provide $269,450 in matching funds. 

Announced in June, the Farmers Market Grant Program provides one-time grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to existing farmers markets that have been in operation for at least four years in Michigan. Projects for consideration included unique and innovative design elements, amenities for patrons and vendors, multi-use spaces, multi-modal transportation, marketing and signage. Projects that make markets more accessible to residents were also given preference.

A total of 24 applications requesting $677,904 were submitted to the 2013 Farmers Market Grant Program. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Michigan Farmers Market Association participated on the scoring team.

“Michigan’s community farmers markets have helped re-energize the enthusiasm for connecting with our agricultural roots. As a matter of fact, Michigan ranks fourth in the nation for the number of farmers markets,” said Jamie Clover Adams, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Our farmers markets are a great place to sample the diversity of our agriculture and get a taste of Pure Michigan.”

A second round of food entrepreneurship grants, this one aimed at the food truck industry in Michigan, will be announced within the next two to three weeks.

2013 farmers market grant winners	Project description	Matching funds	Grant amount
Delhi Charter Township/Holt Farmers Market	Delhi will create a community kitchen that will expand the market into a year-round event and create a potential for community events (wine tasting, etc.).	$10,140.78	$10,000
City of Gladstone Farmers Market	The City of Gladstone is creating a multi-purpose area in a downtown parking lot to be used for the city's farmer market and other local activities.	$69,740	$50,000
Marquette Downtown Development Authority/Marquette Farmers Market	The Marquette Commons will be revamped to better meet the needs of the farmers market by making it more aesthetically pleasing and adding needed amenities.	$43,623	$24,537
Boyne City Farmers Market	Boyne City is converting its Veterans Park pavilion into a multi-activity structure, complete with heat, kitchen, stage and storage. It will house a permanent winter farmers market as well as broaden the building’s community uses.	$12,500	$12,500
Port Sanilac Farmers Market	Port Sanilac Farmers Market will be adding a steel-roofed pavilion to provide shelter for vendors as well as performers and other community events that may be held.	$11,750	$10,090
Otsego County Community Foundation/Gaylord Downtown Farmers Market	The Gaylord Downtown Farmers Market will use its funds to expand accessibility and enhance a plan that focuses on organizational development, marketing and atmosphere.	$11,127	$10,901
Chelsea Community Hospital/Chelsea Farmers Market	The Chelsea Farmers Market will use funding to create a community input-based plan for the new market that will then be carried out. Features could include a u-shaped pavilion, smaller heated building for a winter market and a kitchen.	$19,470	$16,500
East Lansing Farmers Market	The E. Lansing Farmers Market wants to create a place for people to gather. A new covered plaza that is functional and pleasing to the eye will be built to house the farmers market as well as be available for special events.	$35,000	$35,000
Grand Ledge   Downtown Development Authority/Grand Ledge Farmers Market	The Grand Ledge DDA will construct an 11,500 sq. ft. multi-use building along the river in downtown Grand Ledge. The building will be used primarily for the farmers market, as well as for an ice rink and other community events. They also will develop a business and marketing plan to help the market grow.	$25,000	$15,000
Canton Township Leisure Services/Canton Farmers Market	Canton Farmers Market will use its funding to implement programs that promote healthy lifestyles for adolescents and recycling education for the community. Plans also to add another community garden site with amenities and make other upgrades to the grounds.	$31,100	$15,472
TOTAL		$269,450.78	$200,000

Pure Michigan is a brand on the rise, representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead agency for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.