Gov. Rick Snyder celebrates ‘Food and Agriculture Month' in Michigan

Agency: Agriculture and Rural Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 27, 2015                  

MEDIA CONTACT: Heather Throne, 517-284-5725 or throneh@michigan.gov

Food and agriculture is a $101.2 billion industry, one of Michigan's ‘Big Three'     

LANSING, Mich. - Each year, states across the nation recognize March as a time to celebrate the importance of the food and agriculture industry as it provides almost everything we eat and use each day. As part of that celebration, Gov. Rick Snyder has proclaimed March ‘Food and Agriculture Month’ in Michigan.

“Our food and agriculture industry remains a shining star for Michigan’s economy,” Snyder said. “We continue to see new business development and expansion and job creation leading to a total annual economic impact of $101.2 billion. Michigan is the home to a diverse, dynamic, cutting-edge food and agriculture industry.”

Snyder said there is tremendous opportunity for Michigan to take a national leadership role in research and development, food processing and exports.

“This is a great time of year to honor the role our farmers play in providing us with a safe and abundant food supply, as well as a being a strong contributor to Michigan’s economic foundation,” said Jamie Clover Adams, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director. “As the nation’s second-most agriculturally diverse state, Michigan offers tremendous business and career opportunities. From skilled trades to technology-based careers to veterinarians to starting your own food-based company, the possibilities are endless.”

Throughout the month, MDARD will be partnering with Michigan Farm Bureau, Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Grand Traverse Pie Company, the Michigan Pork Producers, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the Michigan Ag Council to highlight a segment of the food and ag sector each week.

Here are some Michigan food and agriculture facts:

• Michigan farmers produce more than 300 different agricultural commodities and ranks fourth in the nation for farmers markets. It is also home to 113 wineries and dozens of micro-breweries.

• Agriculture, food processors, and related businesses employ 923,000 Michiganders—22 percent of the state’s workforce.

• Michigan has nearly 10 million acres of farmland, and is home to 52,200 farms.

• Michigan exports about one-third of its agricultural commodities each year, generating nearly $3.53 billion. Over 60 percent of all Michigan’s agricultural exports go directly to Canada, the state’s No. 1 export market. Rounding out the top countries eager for Michigan-grown products are Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and China.

• Michigan is home to approximately 2,000 licensed food processors, employing more than 130,000 residents and generating nearly $25 billion in economic activity, making the state 19th in the nation for food processing.

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