Michigan Land Use Institute

Food & Farming / News & Views / The Value of a Farmers Market

The Value of a Farmers Market

Fresh to TC | July 9, 2014 | By Rebecca Fisher

Recent Posts

Agriculture Forum: Food & Farming Network Summit shares stories

Food and Farming Network | April 17, 2015 | By Meghan McDermott

In Emmet County, a baker has found a nearby farmer to grow bread-quality wheat. Schools are serving more locally grown food. The Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District is supporting teachers in farm-to-school and school-garden curriculum so that students learn reading, math and science while learning to love eating healthy food. These were just a few of the stories shared recently at the seventh annual Northwest Michigan Food & Farming Network Summit....

Guest View: Wind Works in Michigan

Wind power | February 10, 2015 | By Liesl Clark

The wind industry has come a long way in Michigan. Since the passage of a comprehensive energy statute in 2008 that included Michigan’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)—10 percent renewable energy from all the state’s utilities by 2015—costs have dropped at a remarkable rate....

Taste the Local Difference to Produce Magazine with 'Traverse'

TLD | February 3, 2015 | By MyNorth

New this year, MyNorth Media, publishers of Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine, will produce Michigan Land Use Institute’s Taste the Local Difference as a magazine that combines the utility of the previous maps with fascinating stories and stunning photography of the Northern Michigan food scene....

 
It’s a fresh Northern Michigan Wednesday morning. From many feet away, you can hear the noise of the Sara Hardy Farmers Market. You can hear the chattering floating through the air along with laughter of children and other bustling noises that add to the energy that surrounds the market.
 
When you cross the bridge over the Boardman River, all kinds of commotion meet your eyes. There are vendors surrounded by vibrant produce, from green kale to heirloom tomatoes to bright red strawberries. Children run around excitedly pointing to various fruits and veggies. Patrons smile and converse with vendors and other market-goers. There is a fun vibe. People are enjoying themselves. 
 
You can hear the passion in the farmers’ voices about their produce in their interactions with patrons. They speak colorfully about the ingredients and about recipes. The excitement spreads to the customer who asks questions and learns more about the food they are bringing to their table.
 
You may have read some of my articles about trips to the farmers market. It’s an experience I always enjoy a huge amount. The sense of community, the passion, and the great produce all make a great way to spend a Wednesday or Saturday morning. I’ve had so many positive moments where I learned something about an ingredient or was inspired by a recommended recipe and tried something new. 
 
This video is meant to highlight the passion, excitement, exchange of information— and just plain old fun—that is all part of a farmers market.

2 Comments

3569 days ago, 10:50am | by Emma Kelly | Report Comment

Thank you for this special little video. You do an excellent job highlighting what makes our TC market special.

3555 days ago, 9:50pm | by Cathy Odom | Report Comment

Right on! Those are all the reasons I love the Farmer's Market, too. Plus, it's so colorful! Nice job, Rebecca.

Search Archives

Michigan Land Use Institute

148 E. Front Street, Suite 301
Traverse City, MI 49684-5725
p (231) 941-6584 
e comments@mlui.org