U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today joined local officials to celebrate the grand opening of the farmer’s market pavilion in De Tour Village.
“Farmers markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support farmers and help grow rural economies,” said Turner. “They bring people together, connect communities and provide Americans with fresh, affordable, convenient, and healthy products from local producers.”
USDA Rural Development provided a $50,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) to support the project. Total cost of the facility was $140,000 and included a $58,000 contribution from the Village of De Tour Village (via local corporate and individual donations) as well as $32,000 in in-kind donations of labor and supplies.
The De Tour Village farmer’s market never had an official home before this project was initiated. The location would change from week to week depending on which vacant lot owners in the community would allow access for the market. Now the market and its 7-8 weekly vendors have a permanent facility that is expected to last for many years to come as the market continues to grow.
USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2009. USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Under the Obama Administration, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $7.2 billion in Michigan projects.