Flint-grown vegetables, herbs & fruits getting own spot at city’s farmers market

Flint-grown produce getting spot at farmers market

DETROIT — Starting this weekend, shoppers at Flint’s farmers market will have a place to buy vegetables, herbs and fruits grown in the heart of the Rust Belt city.

The stall will be run by the Edible Flint Co-op, a collaboration of nearly 20 growers from Flint and just to the north. It’s the latest example of urban agriculture leading to expanded fresh food options in Michigan cities.

“This is one of the most important things we can do to support growers who want to increase production or supplement their income,” Joanna Lehrman, a member of the co-op’s planning group, said in a statement.

In Detroit, Eastern Market has seen an increase in recent years of city-grown produce being sold, said Dan Carmody, president of the nonprofit that runs Detroit’s main farmers market. Each year also brings more Detroit-area processed foods, such as pickles and coffee beans, being offered at the market.

“Detroiters in particular have pride in the quality stuff that’s grown in the city,” he said.

Since 2006, the Grown in Detroit cooperative has helped sell fruits and vegetables from Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park at the market. Interest among shoppers is generally strong, Carmody said, but the Detroit-grown portion still is modest at Eastern Market, which also serves as a wholesale hub for larger distributors.

An increase in gardens or small farms in cities such as Flint, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing in recent years also has led to the emergence of more smaller farmers’ markets that often are supplied in part by city growers, said Dru Montri, manager of the Michigan Farmers Market Association.

The Edible Flint Co-op is part of Edible Flint, A Growing Network. The group of Flint-area residents, growers and organizations provides technical assistance and helps coordinate resources for local growers. The co-op’s stall at the Flint Farmers’ Market will be open during regular Saturday hours.

Online:

Flint Farmers’ Market: www.flintfarmersmarket.com

Eastern Market: www.detroiteasternmarket.com