Agriculture Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Support for the Chesaning Farmers Market, Tuscola County Food Hub

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced $26,656 in support for the Chesaning "Market off Broad" and Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation in Caro. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program, which helps expand access to farmers markets and food hubs and develop new opportunities for farmers to sell locally.

"When we grow things here and make things here, we create jobs here in Michigan. Local food hubs and farmers markets connect families and small businesses with local farmers, which makes it easier to buy Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables," said Stabenow. "Buying local is a win for our economy, a win for Michigan agriculture and a win for consumers who will have better access to local food choices."

Support for the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program was greatly expanded in the 2014 Farm Bill, which was authored by Senator Stabenow and signed into law by President Obama in Michigan earlier this year. The new Farmers Market And Local Food Promotion Program helps improve and expand farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.

Project details below:

Broad Street Events, Inc. in Chesaning will receive $20,582 to promote the new Chesaning "Market off Broad" to vendors and customers.

Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation in Caro will receive $6,074 to complete a market, production, and infrastructure analysis to identify and implement strategies to create a food hub.

For mor e information, please visit http://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP.