MARQUETTE — The annual MFC Local Farm Tours, coordinated by the Marquette Food Co-op, are being held Aug. 18 and Sept. 15.

Now in their 14th year, the tours aim to foster deeper connections between local food growers/producers and the community they help to feed, according to a press release from the Co-op.

Free and open to the public, the tours provide an opportunity to visit participating farms and to learn more about local food production in the Upper Peninsula. All tours are independently led by the farmers, and run continuously between noon and 5 p.m., rain or shine. These are working farms, and attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable and durable shoes and appropriate clothing for weather conditions.

The tours will take place as follows:

≤ Aug. 18: Rock River Farm, Seeds & Spores Family Farm, Virgin Earth Farm

≤ Sept. 15: Cloverland Farm, Danielson’s Sugarbush LLC, Grand-Bees Honey, The MSU North Farm, Treasa’s Treasures.

Pick up an MFC Local Farm Tours Guide at the Marquette Food Co-op for more information on each participating farm and directions to their locations from Marquette. The guide is also available online at https://bit.ly/2YzGnG1 .

This year, the tours also include a free raffle. For a chance to win a basket of local products, get your tour guide stamped at each farm you visit, fill it in with your personal information and drop off at the Marquette Food Co-op by Sept. 22.

The Co-op is located at 502 W. Washington St., Marquette. More information can be found online at https://marquettefood.coop/ .