A New Round Opens for the Hoophouse Loan Program

July 11, 2012

Written by Laura Haselhuhn

Applications are once again open for the Center for Regional Food Systems Hoophouse Loan Program.  This time the program has expanded into 15 farmers markets across the state of Michigan.  The zero interest hoophouse loan is unlike any other loan program in the country.  Farmers can receive funds to cover their hoophouse and supplies needed to make the hoophouse functional (tools, interior cover, etc).  The loan is paid back through distributing food through a voucher system. 

“Low-income community members can help farmers pay back their loans by purchasing food from the farmers using with vouchers we distribute”, Amanda Segar of the Michigan Farmers Market Association explains.  “This program is unique because it not only helps farmers grow their business, but it helps low-income families get food to grow the health of their families”.  Farmers collect vouchers and turn the vouchers in.  The value of the vouchers is deducted from the balance of the loan.

The zero interest hoophouse loan program is now open for its fourth round.  This pilot program initially launched in 2011 at 4 farmers markets throughout Michigan. The program has now expanded to include 15 farmers markets throughout the state of Michigan.

“We are excited to be working in areas of Michigan where we know farmers are interested in expanding their growing season by using hoop houses”, says Segar.  “In most of the participating communities, we are working with Head Start agencies to distribute vouchers to the families they work with. All of the families they provide services to have young children under the age of five. It's so important to teach children how to eat well when they are young and this program can help families do that”.  The 15 farmers markets included in the program for this round of applications are:

• Lapeer Farmers' Market
• Northwest Detroit Farmers' Market
• Downtown Marquette Farmers & Artists Market
• Downtown Saginaw Farmers' Market
• Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers' Market
• Flint Farmers' Market
• Kalamazoo Farmers' Market
• Gaylord Farmers Market
• Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Market, Tawas
• Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Market, Oscoda
• Grand Blanc City Farmers Market
• East Lansing Farmer's Market
• Boyne City Farmers Market
• Battle Creek Farmers Market
• Menominee Historical Downtown Farmers Market

Applications are available now! Applications are due by 5pm on July 31st, 2012. In order to be eligible to apply you must be a seasonal vendor at one of the participating farmers markets.  Additional eligibility rules are outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions.  Complete applications will include a hoophouse quote.  Technical assistance for the hoophouse (guidance with quotes, crop scheduling, economics/recordkeeping, etc) is provided by Michigan State University Student Organic Farm.

The program is made possible by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.  The program is facilitated by the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA), the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University (MSU), and the MSU-Student Organic Farm.

Questions related to the program may be directed to:

Amanda Segar                     amanda@mifma.org        phone: 517-432-3381

Questions related to hoophouses, quotes and technical assistance may be directed to:

Laura Haselhuhn        haselhu2@msu.edu                  phone: 517-355-5191 ext 1408

Thanks and Happy Hoophouse Farming!

Laura Haselhuhn

Hoophouse Outreach Assistant

Michigan State University