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The Chelsea Farmers Market won a $16,500 grant to create a community input-based plan for the new market, which could include a pavilion, heated building for a winter market and a kitchen.

(AnnArbor.com file photo)

LANSING — Ten farmers markets throughout the state won a total of $200,000 grants to add amenities and expand their business.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. provides one-time grants between $10,000 and $50,000 to farmers markets that have been in operation for at least four years and provide at least 50 percent in matching funds.

"Michigan's community farmers markets have helped re-energize the enthusiasm for connecting with our agricultural roots. As a matter of fact, Michigan ranks fourth in the nation for the number of farmers markets," Jamie Clover Adams, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said in a statement.

Michigan has more than 300 farmers markets. Use this interactive map to find one near you.

The 10 winners were chosen from 24 applications that requested $677,904 in funds.

Grants can be used for facility design elements, patron and vendor amenities, multi-use spaces, multi-modal transportation, marketing and signage. Similar grants were offered in the past but were limited to certain communities based on need.

The MEDC also is offering $100,000 in grants for new or growing food truck businesses. Those winners should be announced in the next couple of weeks.

The following communities received grants:

East Lansing

Grant: $35,000; match: $35,000

Build a new covered plaza to house the farmers market and other special events.

Holt

Grant: $10,000; matching funds: $10,140.78

Open a community kitchen that will expand the market into a year-round event and create a potential for community events such as wine tasting.

Grand Ledge

Grant: $15,000; match: $25,000

Construct an 11,500-square-foot multi-use building along the river in downtown that will be used primarily for the farmers market, as well as for an ice rink and other community events. They also will develop a business and marketing plan to help the market grow.



Canton

Grant: $15,472; match: $31,100

Implement programs that promote healthy lifestyles for adolescents and recycling education for the community. Other upgrades include another community garden site.

Chelsea

Grant: $16,500; match: $19,470

Create a community input-based plan for the new market, which could include a pavilion, heated building for a winter market and a kitchen.

Marquette

Grant: $24,537; match: $43,623

The Marquette Commons will be revamped with added amenities and aesthetic improvements for the farmers market.

Gladstone

Grant: $50,000; match: $69,740

Create a multi-purpose area in a downtown parking lot for the farmers market and other activities.

Boyne City

Grant: $12,500; match: $12,500

Convert its Veterans Park pavilion into a multi-activity structure with heat, kitchen, stage and storage. It will house a permanent winter farmers market.

Port Sanilac

Grant: $10,090; match: $11,750

Add a steel-roofed pavilion to provide shelter for the market and other community events.

Gaylord

Grant: $10,901; match: $11,127

Expand accessibility and enhance a plan that focuses on organizational development, marketing and atmosphere.

Related: Local farmers markets encourage people of all incomes to shop

Email Melissa Anders at manders@mlive.com. Follow her on Google+ and Twitter: @MelissaDAnders. Download the MLive app for iPhone and Android.