Farmer’s Market Permit – Public Act 100 of 2013

By State Senator Goeff Hansen, 34th District

Michigan’s wine industry is one of the strongest sectors of our state’s economy and an exciting new opportunity exists for the more than 90 wineries scattered across our peninsula through Public Act 100 of 2013. The majority of these wineries are Small Wine Makers – wine makers who produce no more than 5,000 gallons of wine per year.  Additionally, many are located in rural areas of our state and have limited exposure to consumers. At the same time, the farmer’s market culture in Michigan is growing and managers are looking to attract more shoppers.

When I introduced legislation (Public Act 100 of 2013) to create an annual farmer’s market permit for qualified Small Wine Makers, my goal was to give aspiring wine makers the opportunity to contribute to our state’s economy and give people a Pure Michigan experience. By giving them access to a venue that promotes their products they can now build a foundation for a long-term, profitable wine industry. Beginning September 2nd, this new farmer’s market permit now allows qualified Small Wine Makers to conduct  wine tastings and sell, for consumption off the licensed premises, wine produced by that Small Wine Maker at a Farmer’s Market. The fee for an annual farmer’s market permit is $25 for each farmer’s market location, making it financially viable for wine makers to have a presence at multiple locations. The new permit is subject to a quota system based on the population of the county in which the market is located and requires approval of the local unit of government and farmer’s market. The application for the farmer’s market permit is available on the Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s (MLCC) website. Inquiries about the permit should be directed to MLCC at (866) 813-0011. Michigan’s farmer’s markets exist to connect consumers with local food and the farmers who grow and produce it. This new license promotes our state’s positive attributes and provides new opportunities for small businesses.