October 3, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that she has proclaimed October as “Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism Month” and encouraged Michigan residents and visitors to enjoy the bounty of the fall harvest at one of Michigan’s many farm markets, U-pick operations, or other agricultural tourism attractions.

“October is the perfect time to enjoy not only the vibrant hues of Michigan’s fall foliage, but also the rich tastes, sights, and experiences offered down on the farm,” said Don Koivisto, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) director. “From apple orchards, winery tours, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes to beautiful fall mums and fresh produce, Michigan’s farm markets and other agricultural tourism businesses connect our hard-working farmers with consumers and offer visitors the opportunity to taste and experience the local difference.”

In addition to fresh produce, farm markets offer a wide range of products and family-friendly activities. Fresh cider and donuts, petting farms, pumpkin fields, Halloween activities, hay rides, orchard tours, and corn mazes comprise just a few of the treats found at Michigan's farm markets.

Agriculture and tourism are Michigan’s second and third leading industries. Combined, these industries support economic stability and development, strengthen Michigan’s family farms, improve the quality of life for citizens in both rural and urban areas, and preserve the state’s rich agricultural heritage.

Michigan's food and agriculture industry contributes more than $60.1 billion annually to the state's economy and employs about one million residents. Michigan produces more than 200 commodities on a commercial basis, making the state second only to California in agricultural diversity. The state leads the nation in the production of 19 commodities, including tart cherries, blueberries, three kinds of dry beans (black, cranberry and small red), 13 floriculture products (including flowering baskets, geraniums, petunias and impatiens), and cucumbers for pickles. Michigan also ranks in the top 10 for 30 other commodities.

MDA offers a searchable database of more than 300 Michigan farm markets, farmer's markets, U-pick farms and other agricultural tourism operations at www.michigan.gov/mda-upick. For more information about agricultural tourism activities in Michigan, including a calendar of upcoming events, visit www.michigan.gov/agtourism. To combine a farm market excursion with a Pure Michigan color tour, the trip begins at www.michigan.org.