Giving a policy voice to Michigan farmers markets has always been integral to the vision and work of the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA). To guide our work towards that vision, MIFMA’s Advocacy Committee works throughout the year to advance the Advocacy Priorities that are set annually by you, our members!
This monthly email will provide you with an update on the most important activities of our Advocacy Committee and staff. Follow these links to learn more about the Advocacy Committee and how you can become an advocate.
Access to Wireless Equipment to Process SNAP Transactions
MIFMA is working to ensure that all farmers markets and direct marketing farmers authorized to accept SNAP in Michigan have access to the equipment they need to process transactions at no cost. This is an important resource needed to expand healthy food access through Michigan farmers markets.
With the support of Healthy Kids Healthy Michigan, a statewide policy coalition focused on reducing childhood obesity, MIFMA is advocating that the 2018 state budget include the funding needed to equip farmers markets and direct marketing farmers with the wireless equipment they need to process SNAP transactions.
Learn more from our issue brief and talking points.
Take Action- Contact your legislators!
Contact your state Senator and/or Representative to ask them to support including funding for wireless devices for farmers markets and direct marketing farmers in the state’s fiscal year 2018 budget. Utilize MIFMA’s talking points to share the message and be sure to tell them why this issue is important to you, their constituent!
Don’t know who your state Senator and/or Representative are? Use the links at the bottom of this message to find their name and contact information.
Wine Sales and Samples at Michigan Farmers Markets
In 2012, MIFMA supported Public Act 100 which allowed the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to issue a special permit to small winemakers for them to offer samples and sell wine at Michigan farmers markets. In the first five years, more than 30 permits have been issued to add wine to the offerings of farmers markets throughout our state.
MIFMA members, Michigan winemakers, and partners have expressed interest in expanding the size of winemakers that can participate in farmers markets to build on this success and expand market opportunities.
Take Action- Share your story!
Have you had wine sales at your farmers market? If yes, what has your experience been? How has it added to your market and/or supported a Michigan winemaker?
Would you like to have wine sales at your market but can’t find a winemaker that is both small enough to obtain a license and large enough to staff a booth at your market?
Email amanda@mifma.org to share your story with MIFMA’s Advocacy Committee. Your story can help us be better advocates!
Other ways to provide support! Find Your Senator, Find Your State Representative, Donate.