LANSING, Mich. — For the first time, Michigan has made the top 10 list for the number of winter farmers’ markets in a state. Recently announced by the USDA, Michigan ranked No. 10 nationally, with 33 winter farmers’ markets, a 58 percent increase from the 19 winter markets that operated in 2010.

New York topped the list with 180 winter farmers’ markets, up from 152 in 2010.

A winter farmers’ market is one that is open at least once between November and March. According to Dru Montri, director of the Michigan Farmers Market Assoc. (MIFMA), the data includes markets that run throughout the season as well as those that hold special one-day markets during this time period.

USDA’s National Farmers Market Directory shows that since 2010, the number of winter markets has increased 38 percent nationwide, from 886 to 1,225. These winter markets account for nearly 17 percent of the nation’s 7,222 operating farmers’ markets.

Other states to make the top 10 list of winter farmers’ markets were California with 153 markets, Pennsylvania with 78, North Carolina with 73, Ohio with 50, Maryland with 48, Florida with 46, Massachusetts with 43 and Virginia with 40.

“There seems to be a lot of growing anecdotal evidence that consumer demand for year-round markets is increasing,” Montri said. “Shoppers are asking farmers to stay longer at markets and asking market managers to keep business open for a longer duration of the year. There certainly is a greater interest in local foods, and farmers’ markets are a great place to purchase these items.

“This growth is exciting, and especially exciting in parts of the country like Michigan that have a cold winter season. This growth complements the overall growth of farmers’ markets in the state, which has risen from 150 when MIFMA started in 2006, to 280 in 2011.”

Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Director Keith Creagh said the increasing demand for locally grown is fueling the growth of the state’s farmers’ markets and is having positive impacts on other economic development in the state.

“Through winter markets, consumers are able to buy local products year-round, and farmers are able to bring in additional income to support their families and businesses in what has traditionally been a slower time of the year for many farm businesses,” Creagh said.

Montri said there are a wide variety of products offered at winter markets, including meat, dairy products and cheese, maple syrup and honey, baked goods and other value-added products. She also said fresh produce is essential for the success of winter markets, and advances in technology are helping farmers extend their growing season to meet this demand.

“More and more farmers in Michigan and across the country are using hoop houses or inexpensive season extension strategies like caterpillar tunnels and quick hoops,” Montri said. “For farmers, this helps distribute their income more evenly over the course of the year. In January’s issue of Growing for Market, one farmer referred to the winter months as a ‘winter economic drought.’ Season extension helps reduce those droughts.

“Farmers are also increasing their production of storage crops, like winter squash and root crops such as potatoes, carrots and beets. This helps add to the diversity of products available during the winter months.”

Creagh said expanded use of hoop house technology has enabled many smaller growers to extend their production seasons at low cost and has been a contributing factor to the growth of winter farmers’ markets.

“Dollars spent at area farmers markets are more likely to stay in Michigan, which helps strengthen our local economy, increases access to fresh and nutritious fruits and vegetables, benefits our communities and reconnects us to our agriculture roots,” Creagh said. “Buying locally also provides an opportunity to meet the people who feed us and learn how our food was grown and produced.”

Montri said MIFMA works to support farmers’ markets as they start up and manage their growth. The organization also has been working at a statewide level to make it easier for Michigan residents to find a farmers’ market nearby.

To find a full list of farmers’ markets in Michigan, visit the MIFMA’s website at www.mifma.org and click on “Find a Farmers Market.”

“In our work, it has been important to ensure that all residents have access to the great products offered at farmers’ markets, and for that reason we have worked diligently to increase the number of markets accepting food assistance benefits,” Montri said.

“Last year, 82 farmers’ markets accepted Bridge Cards, the debit-like card that includes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Overall, we see our role as supporting the growth and enhancement of farmer’ markets all year-round.”

USDA provides support to farmers’ markets through numerous programs, including AMS Specialty Crop Block Grants Program and Farmers Market Promotion Program. Results from the USDA National Farmers Market Directory are based upon voluntary reporting from farmers’ market managers.

The Directory is available online at http: //apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets