Whereas, Every autumn the harvest season reminds us that Michigan gives its citizens and visitors an amazing cornucopia of agricultural products to eat and drink, and beautiful flowers and trees to plant and enjoy; and,

Whereas, Michigan's Great Lakes, its many inland lakes and rivers, its varied climate and soil, and its two beautiful peninsulas, create a unique environment for producing more than 200 commercial crops; and,

Whereas, Michigan's agriculture industry contributes $60.1 billion annually to Michigan's economy and employs more than 1 million people; and,

Whereas, Selecting Michigan grown and processed foods helps keep our food dollars circulating in our local communities, strengthens Michigan's family farms, improves the quality of life of our citizens in rural and urban areas and preserves our rich and diverse agricultural heritage; and,

Whereas, A recent "Eat Fresh and Grow Jobs" study of Michigan produce markets show that farm fresh foods that fuel healthy lifestyles are good for the economy too and that efforts to increase sales of fresh fruits and vegetables in Michigan could significantly boost employment and personal income across the state; and, 

Whereas, Survey results show that Michigan consumers prefer to purchase Michigan grown and processed products, and the Select Michigan program helps consumers identify Michigan products at the retail level; and,

Whereas, If every Michigan household spent just $10 of its weekly grocery budget on Michigan grown and processed foods, it would generate nearly $40 million each and every week; and,

Whereas, Our Select Michigan products give children and adults a taste of fresh, healthy produce grown right here in Michigan and create the excitement of excursions to farm markets and stores which may include cider mills, pumpkin patches, u-pick apple orchards and local markets and nurseries; and,

Whereas, Thanks to Michigan's more than 160 community farmers' markets and over 220 on-farm markets and the easy access to fresh local foods they provide, more and more people are realizing the taste, health and economic benefits of buying local; and,

Whereas, During this time of year, in addition to purchasing Michigan foods for ourselves and our families, we can "Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Give Local" by contributing Michigan foods to local food banks and in doing so, we help our neighbors in need by providing fresh and healthy local food; and,

Whereas, Select Michigan Week is a great time to enjoy and celebrate the sights, smells and flavors of Michigan's produce; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of September 15, 2007, as Select Michigan Week.