Senator Stabenow Announces Support for Downtown Marquette Farmers Market

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced $71,290 for the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers Market Promotion Program, which helps expand access to farmers markets and develop new opportunities for farmers to sell locally.

"When we grow things here and make things here, we create jobs here in Michigan," said Senator Stabenow. "Farmers markets connect families and small businesses with local farmers, which makes it easier to buy Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables. We all know buying local is a win for our economy. It's also a win for Michigan agriculture and consumers and these grants will help make that process easier across Michigan."

Support for the Farmers Market 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 last year. This grant program helps improve and expand farmers markets, roadside stands, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.

The City of Marquette's Downtown Development Authority will use the support to increase the number of market vendors and encourage people to buy fresh and local produce. Additionally, the grant will help the market put on food demonstrations of locally sourced food and train famers to promote their businesses using social media.