Lovers of fresh local produce will find a bountiful harvest at the Midland Farmers Market in Midland, Michigan. Booths of fresh cut flowers, bakery items, local produce, organic meat, Great Lakes Whitefish and homemade pasta fill the east parking lot outside of Dow Diamond.
Serving the Midland, Bay City and Saginaw area – the farmers market hosts between 60 – 90 vendors each week. Each vendor is local to the region and is proud to offer quality products to the community residents. Running for over half a century, the Midland Farmers Market has become a beloved staple to the area.
Access to local farmers markets has expanded across rural and urban areas with the trend to buy local growing in recent years. Connecting the consumer to the local farmers has built relationships across the community and helped grow local economies. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) describes the importance of farmers markets as community centerpieces – connecting farmers to local residents and inspiring healthy lifestyle choices.
When farmers grow local product and sell to a resident of the community, the revenue from that sale stays in the local economy. The farmers market also provides a platform for farmers and entrepreneurs to grow their business and available products in the future. One of the greatest benefits a farmers market provides is the community connection between farmers and residents.
While farmers markets have a variety of products to choose from, the market is regulated by the State of Michigan. Visitors to the market can rest assured that all regulations are designed to provide safety to both vendors and visitors to the farmers markets. Midland Business Alliance, Director of Innovation & Small Business and the Midland Area Farmers Market, Emily Lyons, is tasked with ensuring the market follows all Michigan regulations.
“We closely ensure all rules and regulations are followed,” Lyons states. “Once the market wraps for the year we begin coordinating the marketing, grants and structure for the next year.”
The Midland Farmers Market is passionate about providing access to the market to as many residents as possible. The market accepts SNAP, EBT and WIC benefits, through a token program, ensuring equal access to those who may desire local products. The token program operates through Isabella Bank who runs a booth at the start of the Midland Farmers Market. Vendors are not required to participate in the token program, but it is encouraged and ensures maximum sales throughout the duration of the market.
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