LANSING — Michigan is home to a bountiful array of food and agriculture products for Michiganders and tourists to enjoy. The diversity of the food grown here, access to water, and the various microclimates make Michigan unique for all facets of the food and agriculture chain.
“Michigan’s food and agricultural businesses have always been one of our major economic drivers,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “There is a tremendous opportunity for these companies to take a national leadership role in research and development, food processing, and exports from Michigan. We should all celebrate our farmers for what they do to help feed Michigan and the world.”
“Not only is March a great time to thank our farmers, it’s also a time to look at the industry’s abundant business and career opportunities. There are boundless opportunities for Going Pro with food and ag,” said Jamie Clover Adams, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development director. “From technology-based careers to microbiologists, to having your own food-based company — really the possibilities are limitless. MDARD stands ready to help new and established companies grow right here in Michigan.”
Throughout Michigan Food and Ag Month, MDARD will also be partnering with Grand Traverse Pie Company, McDonald’s of Michigan, Michigan State University AgBioResearch, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and Michigan Farm Bureau to highlight the various facets of the state’s food, forest, and agriculture sector.
Michigan food and agriculture facts:
- Michigan farmers produce more than 300 different agricultural commodities and the state ranks third in the nation for farmers markets. It is also home to 129 wineries and more than 200 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.
- Michigan exports about one-third of its agricultural commodities each year, generating nearly $2.8 billion. Almost 40 percent of all Michigan’s agricultural exports go directly to Canada, our number one export market. Rounding out the top countries eager for Michigan-grown products are Mexico, Japan, China, and Thailand.
- Michigan is home to 2,166 licensed food processors generating nearly $25 billion in economic activity – making the state 19th in the nation for food processing.
— Michigan Department of Agriculture
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