Emerging Farmers Learning Series — Value Chain Coordination: Other Sales Avenues
March 16, 2026 - Jazmin Bolan-Williamson, Bekah Galang
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EmailMichigan’s Emerging Farmers and the Michigan Good Food Fund hosted the second session of the Emerging Farmers Learning Series on March 11, 2026. During this session, Paul Green, Sales Manager of Marrow Detroit Provisions, led a presentation on Value Chain Coordination: Other Sales Avenues.
Paul introduced three sectors of the value chain:
- Wholesalers - Aggregation as a Value Addition
- These are markets that aggregate product as a value addition, such as the Eastern Market Commercial or Detroit Produce Terminal.
- Distributors - Transportation (the ballgame)
- These are national or regional businesses that move products, such as Sysco, Gordon Food Service, etc.
- Wholesale Purchasers - Merchandising as Value Add
- These are retail or foodservice buyers that offer merchandising as a value addition, such as restaurants, grocery stores, or food banks.
He further discussed Michigan’s local food value chain coordinators, alternative models, and aligned partners.
Links and Resources from Paul’s presentation:
- Directory of Michigan Local Food Councils
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)
- Fair Food Network
- Michigan Sustainable Agriculture and Research Education (SARE)
- Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA)
- Michigan State University Extension
- MSU Product Center
- Taste the Local Difference
- Michigan Good Food Fund
- MSU Center for Regional Food System
- Michigan CSA Network
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
- Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Other resources shared in the chat during the live webinar:
- Paul acknowledged the history of Land Grant Universities in his presentation. Learn more about the 235,193 acres of Indigenous land that were appropriated from Tribes at under 2% of their market value to fund the start of Michigan State University https://www.landgrabu.org/universities/michigan-state-university.
- Detroit’s Eastern Market was mentioned as an example in the webinar. To find a food hub, food club, food co-ops, or farm stop in Michigan, check out this Michigan Food Hub Network map.
- If you have yet to dive into the world of selling at Farmers Markets, this Farmer Market Vendor Journey Map and Recording can be helpful to start your journey.
About Michigan Good Food Fund
Michigan Good Food Fund invests in food and farm entrepreneurs across the state, offering flexible financing and tailored business assistance to grow a more resilient, inclusive local food system. We meet entrepreneurs where they are, connect them with what they need, and build long-term relationships that help their businesses thrive. As we work toward a more resilient, inclusive food industry, we focus on entrepreneurs whose access to power and capital has been historically limited because of their race, ethnicity, and/or gender. Our efforts are guided by the shared vision of our Stakeholder Board, a diverse group of entrepreneurs, farmers, funders, and policymakers with deep roots in Michigan. Learn more at https://migoodfoodfund.org/
About Michigan’s Emerging Farmers
Our statewide program aims to create pathways to growth and economic opportunity for all of Michigan’s agricultural producers, including small- to mid-sized farmers. This project is funded by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, in a cooperative agreement with members of the Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University Extension, and Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS).
This work is supported by the American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Initiative program, project award no. 2023-70417-39233, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and should not be construed to represent any official USDA or U.S. Government determination or policy.
