By Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture

October 09, 2008

Autumn in Michigan is a treat for the senses offering beautiful sights, smells, and tastes. Governor Jennifer Granholm has declared October as Michigan Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism Month. Experience Michigan’s bounty first-hand at a farm market, festival, or other agricultural tourism destination across our beautiful state.

Agriculture and tourism are Michigan’s second and third largest industries. October is a great month to combine the two, as it is also the peak of harvest time for many Michigan-grown products. With the beautiful fall scenery surrounding us, it is a perfect time to explore and celebrate our state.

Michigan’s farm markets and agricultural tourism businesses offer many family friendly, fun activities during the fall season. Families can enjoy pumpkin patches, petting farms, hayrides, and corn mazes. Michigan cider mills offer great family fun with cider pressing and apple picking, and often fresh-baked donuts to go along with the fresh cider. Many of Michigan’s 50-plus wineries and tasting rooms across the state are celebrating the harvest by serving up tasty wine samples. You can also learn the art of winemaking through classes held at various wineries. And, as you travel to and from these agricultural destinations, Michigan has dressed herself in a canopy of fall colors.

Another great way to celebrate Michigan Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism Month is through fall festivals and events held around the state. From the Davison Pumpkin Festival to Happy Apple Days in Port Huron and the Troy Fall Harvest Festival, the excitement of the season abounds. Many farm markets also offer on-farm festivals and activities each weekend.

While you’re out there enjoying the fall activities, don’t forget to pick up some delicious, farm fresh Michigan products, including crisp apples, winter squashes, Indian corn, gourds, or some beautiful farm-grown perennials or hardy mums, and much more. If every Michigan family purchased just $10 a week of local Michigan fruits and vegetables it would keep $37 million new dollars each week working for you right here at home.

And, if you want to extend your trip, there are many weekend packages and destinations available for the choosing. For a Pure Michigan autumn experience, your trip begins at Michigan.org.

For a listing of farm markets, agricultural tourism businesses, fall festivals and events and more information about Michigan Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism Month, visit www.michigan.gov/agtourism. Now, get out there and celebrate an awesome autumn in Michigan!