May 14, 2009

LANSING - Just in time for spring bedding plants, hanging flowering baskets, nursery stock, and fresh Michigan asparagus, the 2009 Michigan Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism directory is now available.

“This statewide listing of farm markets, U-pick operations, cider mills and much more, is the perfect pocket guide for those looking for farm fresh Michigan produce, and specialty food products like jams, jellies, baked goods, ice cream, maple syrup and honey,” said Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA). “The directory also helps locate family friendly activities down on the farm, such as hay rides, petting farms, fishing ponds, corn mazes, and riding stables.”

The 2009 directory was created by the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association (MI-FMAT). Copies of the directory are available at all 14 Michigan Welcome Centers and at Farm Bureau Insurance agencies across the state.

The directory has more farm market listings than last year’s, features an alphabetical index, and a regional tab design to help customers find the markets and products they are searching for. It also features 16 full-color pages and an availability chart showcasing when the various types of fresh Michigan fruits and vegetables produced are in season.

“The Michigan Farm Marketing and Agri-Tourism Association is proud to provide this directory for our customers,” said Steve Tennes, MI-FMAT board president and operator of The Country Mill in Charlotte. “Michigan farm marketers are gearing up for a terrific season, and look forward to welcoming visitors to their farms to share our high quality, locally grown food and agricultural products and unique on-farm experiences.”

In addition to the printed directory, farm listings can be accessed via a searchable database on MI-FMAT’s Web site at www.MichiganFarmFun.com. Links to the electronic directory are also accessible from MDA’s agricultural tourism Web page at www.michigan.gov/agtourism, the Michigan Farm Bureau Web site at www.michiganfarmbureau.com, and the Farm Bureau Insurance Web site at www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com.

For the Farm Bureau Insurance agent nearest you, visit www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com. For more information about MI-FMAT and its mission and services, visit www.MichiganFarmFun.com.