October 3, 2008

Pinckney, Mich. - In celebration of October as Michigan Farm Market & Agricultural Tourism Month, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto today toured three Michigan agricultural tourism operations in Livingston and Jackson counties.

“Michigan’s bounty and beauty is never more apparent as it is during autumn and the peak of fall harvest,” said Koivisto. “You can experience Michigan’s autumn magnificence first-hand by visiting a farm market, cider mill, corn maze, winery, or pumpkin patch near you.”

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.

Koivisto’s annual tour of farm markets and agricultural tourism operations began at TMZ Farm, located between the communities of Pinckney and Hell, and included stops at Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson, and Springport High School in Springport for a tour of their Youth Farm Stand and other farm-to-school projects operated by the school’s Agriscience Education Program. Koivisto was joined by Bob Tritten, Michigan State University Extension Southeast Region District Fruit Agent and agricultural tourism expert, and Michigan farmers and farm market operators.

Michigan's food and agriculture industry contributes more than $63.7 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 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.

The MDA’s agricultural tourism Web page is a one-stop shop for finding a fun food and agriculture-related events across the state. Visit Michigan.gov/agtourism for links to MichiganFarmFun.com, the Michigan Festivals and Events Web page, the Michigan Apple Committee’s list of cider mills and apple markets, and Corn Marketing Program of Michigan’s corn maze list.

If you want to combine your farm market excursion with a color tour or family getaway, there are many weekend packages and destinations available for the choosing. For a Pure Michigan autumn experience, your trip begins at Michigan.org.