South Haven, MI - Underscoring the economic impacts of purchasing locally grown products, Wal-Mart Corporation, Naturipe Farms LLC, and the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) “Select Michigan” program crafted the “World’s Largest Blueberry Display” featuring Michigan-grown blueberries.

The event, organized by Ed Mandl, Regional Produce Buyer for Wal-Mart highlighted three local South Haven blueberry growers, Ed Bocock, Shelly Hartmann, and Larry Bodtke; as well Gordon Wenk, Deputy Director Michigan Department of Agriculture, Priscilla Massie a Culinary Historian, and many other blueberry and locally grown enthusiasts.

As part of its efforts to provide its consumers with the best quality product,  Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets purchase its fresh produce from hundreds of local growers across the US - making Wal-Mart the nation’s largest purchaser of locally grown produce.  The Wal-Mart Supercenter in South Haven, MI is committed to providing a large percentage of their products sourced directly from local farms in the surrounding area. “It just makes sense when you can harvest the product today and sell it locally tomorrow” said Ed Mandl.

“When you buy Michigan-grown blueberries you are also supporting the local economy, while strengthening Michigan's family farms and agribusiness sector – a growing segment of the state’s economic engine,” said Don Koivisto, MDA director.   “Not only are blueberries an integral part of Michigan’s agricultural heritage, they are a fantastic quick and healthy snack for families on the go.”

Local Naturipe Farms growers supplied their products to build the massive display and were on hand to field any questions by shoppers, Wal-Mart employees and blueberry lovers. “I feel that Wal-Mart is a community oriented business that meets the various needs of families.

It is very encouraging as a Naturipe Farms blueberry grower to see our locally grown product displayed and available to our local community.” said Ed Bocock.  “The fact that I can work daily in a business where my entire family can participate, the environment and the product are healthy and the fruit of our labor is enjoyed by consumers locally and around the world is definitely a plus.”

During the course of the event individuals indulged in various blueberry dishes including aebelskiver a pioneer (Danish) Michigan blueberry dish and kids received balloons from Bluebeary, the big blue bear in celebration National Blueberry Month and the kick off of the weekend long 45th anniversary of the National Blueberry Festival right in South Haven.

Agriculture in Michigan contributes $63.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, making it the second-largest industry.  Michigan produces over 200 commodities on a commercial basis, making the state second only to California in agriculture diversity. Michigan has about 10 million acres of farmland, and the state is home to 52,800 farms averaging 189 acres each.  More than 90 percent of Michigan farmland is owned by families or individuals.

For more information on how to buy Michigan grown or processed products, visit www.selectmichigan.org.