Michigan's 271 Farmers Markets Place It Number Four in the Nation

With 271 operational farmers markets, Michigan finds itself in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2010 National Farmers Market Directory, behind Illinois by a mere 15. It's a 13 percent increase between 2008 and 2009.

According to excerpts from the article:
 
As the state's second largest industry, Michigan's agri-food sector generates $71.3 billion annually, making it a building block for diversifying the state's economy. Production agriculture, food processing and related businesses employ more than one million people. 

Michigan produces more than 200 commodities, making it second only to California in terms of agricultural diversity.

Of Michigan's 271 farmers markets, 57 are authorized to accept Bridge Cards electronically this year. This number has grown from 29 in 2009 through the efforts of the Michigan Farmers Market Food Assistance Partnership, led by the Michigan Food Policy Council (MFPC) and the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA). The partnership's work and 2010 growth has been funded through a grant as part of the USDA's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Initiative. 

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