Marketing the Farmers Market

The Mount Clemens Farmers Market (MCFM), a downtown favorite since 1979, underwent a facelift this season with the help of the Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development (MCPED).

Assisting agri-entrepreneurs be more profitable is a key recommendation included in the “Open Space and Farmland Preservation” adopted by the Macomb County Board of Commissioners in 2002.  When a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant opportunity was announced that could provide funding to enhance marketing efforts, MCPED reached out to key partners including the Macomb Chamber of Commerce, MSU Extension-Macomb and the City of Mount Clemens.   

Together the team crafted a grant application that resulted in a $25,000 award.  In fact, MCFM was one of only 20 farm markets throughout the country – and the only in Michigan - to be funded.   

MCFM provides fresh-from-the field produce and products on Fridays and Saturdays between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. from May to November.  Located in a city parking lot on North River Road just west of I-94, the market offers reasonably priced goods coupled with the knowledgeable advice of sellers and an overall charming environment.  Funding helped to reach out to a greater audience of consumers through:

+ New signage and promotional materials to increase consumer knowledge    of market happening and available products.
+ A market coordinator was hired to improve customer relations and market    operations.
+ New canopies were purchased for the 40 stalls to add a cheery and highly    visible ambiance.
+ A definite favorite of shoppers has been the addition of the Chef Mark Miller,    owner of Culinary Expression Catering, who cooks up demonstrations,    preparation tips, free samples and recipes throughout both market days.

For 2008, expect to see: 

+ An enhanced website that allows users to download recipes, take virtual    tours of local farms and offers a subscription services for receiving e-mail    notifications about market happenings.
+ More in-market signage to describe the tremendous benefits of purchasing    locally grown produce with more ideas about how to use products.
+ Additions to the already-popular events (Spud-tac-u-lar, Pig Roast,    Strawberry Festival and others) to include live music, activities for children    and additional food sampling.

Agriculture helps to drive the economy in Macomb County.  According to 2002 U.S. Farm Census, there are more than 500 operating farms in the county.  For many growers, MCFM provides an important source of revenue.  With just a month left to shop, the fall offers a bountiful harvest of products.  In fact, Partridge Creek’s new Sur La Table offers this recipe for a tempting and cozy Pumpkin Soup.