Our Story
We provide fresh food, education, and artisan products.
Sowing Growth is a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation founded in April 2018 for the specific purpose of operating the Eastern Ingham Farmers Market in Williamston, MI. The roots of the Eastern Ingham Farmers Market date back to 2011 and the formation of its predecessor, the Williamston Farmers Market, operated initially by the Downtown Development Authority and then by the City of Williamston. The name change to Eastern Ingham Farmers Market reflected Sowing Growth’s expanded mission and vision to provide fresh food education and equitable food access not only to Williamston residents, but to visitors and neighboring residents as well. In 2025, the Market name changed to Williamston Farm & Artisan Market to align with the Williamston city’s efforts to join forces and market Williamston as a “destination” city and familiarize people with the Market’s location.
Having successfully transitioned from the Williamston Farmers Market and safely navigated Market operations through the pandemic, in 2022 Sowing Growth adopted a five year strategic plan setting goals for itself, the Market and its market manager.
With steady progress in meeting strategic plan vendor, customer, and volunteer participation goals, Sowing Growth most recently turned its attention to strengthening its bond with the City of Williamston by changing the name of the Market to Williamston Farm & Artisan Market in March 2025. Our current focus is to continually enhance the market experience for vendors, customers and volunteers alike. We seek to increase our numbers, diversity, and engaged participation.
Even as Sowing Growth was incorporated, the founders had dreams of someday operating complementary programs in addition to the Market. We invite our readers’ input. Please share your dreams for the Market or other related programs that Sowing Growth might undertake. You can submit your ideas to any of the Sowing Growth board members.
From the first seeds that were planted in 2011, we are committed to:
Providing access to fresh, local, healthy and seasonal food to a broader community
Providing access to artisans’ handcrafted products, creations, and works of art
Creating a fun, safe and healthy market community environment that promotes education about local food, local farms, and sustainable, healthy growing practices, as well as artisan skills, techniques, and creative processes
Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of Sowing Growth and the Market. In addition to its volunteer Board of Directors, Sowing Growth needs volunteers throughout the year for various Market support projects, and during the Market season to assist in smooth Market day operations.
Learn More About Volunteering and volunteer on our Sign-up Genius page