Authors: Rachael Pressley and Angie Carter
Farmers markets and farm stands will be open and will continue to provide food to our communities this summer. Now, more than ever, they need our support as many have lost accounts with institutional partners and private businesses. We need them, too, as we seek healthy and safe food.
Local farmers and farmers markets are planning now to ensure we have the food we need in the summer 2020 season. The Western Upper Peninsula currently hosts 12 farmers markets. You can check out their locations and times on the Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative website. The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) defines a farmers market as a public and recurring assembly of farmers or their representatives selling direct-to-consumer foods and products which they produced themselves. There is nothing better than purchasing fresh, quality food and goods from someone in your own community.
Since Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-21 was issued on March 23, 2020, Michiganders were ordered to “suspend activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life,” while allowing individuals to leave their homes “to obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves, their family or household members, and their vehicles.” Shortly after, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development clarified that workers in Michigan’s food and farming sector who sell food and beverage products are “critical infrastructure workers.” This includes the operation of farmers markets and farm stands selling food.
Do you sell at or assist with the management of a farmers market? If so, check out these guidelines and recommendations for Farmers Markets to modify their operations recently released by MIFMA. Other resources for market operations, managers, and staying informed can be viewed on the nation-wide Farmers Market Coalition COVID-19 Resources page. Here are the latest guidelines that have been updated based on the latest Executive Order on April 24th.
Plan to buy local at farmstands and farmers markets this summer? Keep in mind these best practices about how to shop safely while social distancing to protect the health of our farmers and neighbors.
When you choose to shop at a farmers market, you’re supporting your local economy while also making healthy choices for you and your loved ones. If each of us in the UP spent an additional $5 weekly on regional food per resident, we would generate an additional $80 million of new farm revenue across the Upper Peninsula (estimate from the 2013 Crossroads Resource Center analysis).
Learn more about local farmers in your area by searching for your specific county on the Taste the Local Difference farm directory.
Updated: 4/28/2020