Local farmers in the Lansing area are doing more than growing food; they're fostering biodiversity, strengthening ecosystems and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. By growing a diverse range of crops and relying on environmentally conscious methods, these farmers are helping to restore balance to farmlands that are often dominated by large-scale mono-cropping in commercial grocery stores.
"We can't do anything without farmers. We need them," said Taylor Schellmat, a Michigan State University agriculture graduate student who studies sustainable food systems. "The farmers' market contributes to biodiversity because farmers here grow a variety of crops, unlike traditional grocery suppliers, who often source from large-scale farms growing only one crop. That kind of mono-cropping isn't beneficial for the environment."
Phillip Warsaw, an assistant professor in MSU's Department of Community Sustainability, said that buying from farmers' markets strengthens both the local economy and the environment.
"Supporting small, local farms that grow a variety of crops with fewer chemicals and shorter supply chains directly benefits pollinators, soil health and overall biodiversity," he said.
Every Sunday at the East Lansing Farmers Market (ELFM), farmers display not only fresh produce and goods but also their commitment to the environment. The market provides a space for farmers to share the story behind their crops and for consumers to learn about sustainable practices.
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