LANSING —Governor Rick Snyder joined Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams and Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski in celebrating Michigan’s food and agricultural successes over the last 100 years while highlighting their vision for future growth of the industry during the 13th annual Michigan Food and Agriculture Day at the Capitol. This year’s Food and Ag Day event featured 33 commodity organizations representing everything from cherries to nursery plants to potatoes and more.
“Michigan’s food and agriculture industry has been a significant driver of our state’s overall economic success,” Gov. Snyder said. “As one of our largest industries, food and agriculture continues to provide new business and career opportunities that will continue Michigan on the path to greater success. Food and Agriculture Day is an exciting way for us to celebrate all that’s been accomplished while looking forward to the bright future of this thriving industry.”
“Today is a time to step back and appreciate the bounty and diversity of Michigan food and agriculture. We often fail to realize how much of our food is grown or made by people or families just down the road. Whether you’re enjoying a tender grilled steak at a summer barbeque, sweet apples in a homemade pie, crunchy potato chips for a late-night snack, or even a unique craft brew on a night out with friends, the odds are pretty good you’re enjoying something another Michigan family has dedicated their lives to,” added Clover Adams.
“It’s also an opportunity to celebrate Michigan agriculture’s diversity and continued growth, thanks to the great partnership we have with our state legislature, the Governor’s office and his administration,” said Bednarski. “We know we have leadership here in Lansing that believes in the economic potential of Michigan agriculture, which has created a legislative and regulatory environment that allows agriculture to realize that potential through expansion of value-added processing capacity.”
In addition, MDARD unveiled the 2017 edition of the Michigan Agriculture magazine. The fourth edition of the magazine focuses on “100 years of Food and Agriculture in Michigan” featuring companies like GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Michigan Sugar Co., Sportel Greenhouses, Vernors Ginger Ale, and Koegel Meats. These companies chose to start, build, and grow in Michigan.
— Michigan Farm Bureau
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