By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-914619.mp3
LANSING, MI –
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The number of farmers markets in Michigan has more than doubled in the past few years. There are more than 220 markets throughout the state.
AUDIO:
This is the second year Travis Nightengale has been selling strawberries, sweet corn, carrots, and other produce, full time. Before he was an independent farmer he worked for GM.
"I mean they called us back in May of this year and I turned them down," he recalls.
Nightengale sets up at a few farmers markets a week, which is common for vendors. Especially now that there are so many markets to choose from. But Nightengale says the increase in markets doesn't mean consumer traffic is up.
"I would say that the markets we go to are down a little bit this year, but it's because of the upspringing of the other ones," he explains. "People are going locally instead of driving in."
Recent legislation signed into law - called the "Cottage Food" bills - is designed to attract more independent farmers and bakers to sell their foods at farmers markets.
reWorking Michigan
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