LANSING – People who want the healthiest, freshest, best-tasting fruits and vegetables should buy ones grown right here in Michigan, said Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture.  Koivisto made his remarks in delivering this week’s radio address on behalf of Governor Jennifer Granholm.

“People today are eating healthier by including more fruits and vegetables in their diets,” Koivisto said.  “Locally-grown food is healthier than food shipped long distances, because many fruits and vegetables can lose up to half of their nutrients in just five days.  And the best-tasting fruits and vegetables are the ones that ripen close to your home.”

Koivisto said Select Michigan, a brand identification program to promote Michigan-grown food, can help people find food produced in the state.  The Select Michigan logo can be found on Michigan food products sold at grocery stores, farmers markets and on individual farms.

“To help introduce the public to all of the wonderful food we produce in Michigan, we periodically set up Select Michigan farmers markets where locally-grown food products are featured,” Koivisto said.  “Two of them are coming up soon.  The first will be this coming Thursday, August 20, at Detroit’s Eastern Market, just east of downtown Detroit.  The second will be September 17 in Lansing in front of the State Capitol.”

“The next time you go grocery shopping, look for Michigan-grown blueberries, peaches, corn, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables,” Koivisto said.  “Look for the Select Michigan logo that tells you they were grown here.  You’ll be buying local food that’s fresher, healthier and tastes better, and you’ll also be helping the Michigan economy.”

To hear Don Koivisto’s comments in the weekly radio address, click here.

Source:  News release from Governor Jennifer Granholm