October 29, 2007

South Haven - In celebration of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm’s proclamation of October as Michigan Farm Market & Agricultural Tourism Month, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto today toured five farm markets in Lakeshore Harvest Country, which is located in Casco and Ganges townships in Allegan County.

"Farm markets and other agricultural tourism operations are increasingly important to the future of Michigan agriculture and the state economy," Koivisto said. "Agriculture and tourism are the state's second and third leading industries. Together they support economic stability and development, strengthen Michigan’s family farms, improve the quality of life for our citizens in both rural and urban areas, and preserve the state’s rich and diverse farmland and agricultural heritage."

The tour began at Dutch Farm Market/Dutchman Orchards in South Haven, and included stops at Overhiser Orchards, and McIntosh Orchards, Cider Mill & Winery both in South Haven; and EverGreen Lane Farm, and Dee’s Lakeshore Farm both in Fennville. Koivisto was joined by Julie Cowie, Lakeshore Harvest Country Project Manager and Casco Township Clerk; Patrick O’Connor, Executive Director of the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association; and area farmers and farm market owners.

Lakeshore Harvest Country was selected for this annual tour because Casco Township received an Agricultural Innovation Grant in 2006 to establish an agricultural tourism trail in the interior of Casco and Ganges Townships - an area now marketed as Lakeshore Harvest Country.

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 over 200 commodities on a commercial basis, making the state second only to California in agricultural diversity.

In addition to farm fresh produce, farm markets offer a wide range of products and family-friendly activities from fresh cider and donuts, pumpkin fields, hay rides, orchard tours, and corn mazes.

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 your farm market excursion with a Pure Michigan color tour or ski trip, your trip begins at Michigan.org.