Historically, Michigan's agriculture has been an important and viable industry for the state. Although agriculture remains the second largest industry in the state, with a current and potential impact on the economy of $60.1 billion and growing, and with over one million Michigan residents employed in the food and agriculture sector, the face of agriculture in our state is changing.

In the late 1800s, almost half of Michigan residents lived on farms; today that number is only two percent. In 1930, one farmer produced enough food to feed mainly just his family, or about 10 people. Today, one farm supports 130 people.

Michigan ranks second among all states in the diversity of crops we grow. Nearly one-third of all crops grown in Michigan are consumed in other countries, yet research shows that Michigan citizens prefer to buy locally and Michigan-grown projects. Despite the desire to buy locally, Michigan, within the last two years, has become a net importer of food. Sufficient acreage of vacant or unused farmland exists in Michigan.

Our state has the potential to expand production if agriculture remains an economically feasible occupation. Expanding opportunities for agricultural tourism, value-added processing, and a bio-based economy can assure that farming remains an option for Michigan agricultural producers.