U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan James J. Turner today joined local officials to break ground for the Frankenmuth Farmers Market.
“Farmers markets are a bridge between farmers and the surrounding community, strengthening local food networks and keeping money in the area,” said Turner. “Frankenmuth is always a fun place to visit and USDA Rural Development is proud to support these improvements to its farmers market.”
USDA Rural Development provided a $1.37 million Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan through Frankenmuth Credit Union and a $50,000 Rural Business Development Grant to support the project. Total cost is $2,469,375.
The project includes a new pavilion and a year-round indoor kitchen incubator as well as a retail business incubator.
Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has provided $1,120,000 in loans and $1,858,900 in grants to support 35 local food-related projects in Michigan.
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 $6.5 billion in Michigan projects.