PHOTO RELEASE: MDARD Acting Director Kathy Angerer Tours Post Gardens Greenhouses & Safie Specialty Foods

Tour stops showcase a local woman-owned food business, a multi-generation greenhouse busy producing Easter Lilies and other specialty flowers for spring, and continued agricultural economic development within southeast Michigan

DETROIT, Mich. - Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Acting Director Kathy Angerer today toured Post Gardens Greenhouses and Safie Specialty Foods highlighting the growth and diversity of the state’s agri-food sector.

"These tours allow me to experience first-hand how Michigan's rich food and agricultural industry operates and how MDARD can help them continue to prosper.," said Acting Director Kathy Angerer. "Governor Whitmer is steadfast in her support of food and agriculture business development across the state. That commitment is demonstrated in the Governor's budget recommendation, including $37.5 million to assist with the food and agriculture supply chain and $10 million to help Michigan farmers combat the ongoing climate crisis.”

Post Gardens Greenhouse was founded back in 1930s and has been family owned and operated for four generations. Post Gardens has two locations in Michigan, in Rockwood and Battle Creek, utilizing over 30 acres of greenhouses. Their primary product lines include spring annuals and vegetables, flowering indoor plants, fall mums, holiday plants including Easter lilies, foliage plants and annual plugs and cuttings. Post Gardens sells these products to chain stores, garden centers, and landscapers across Michigan and the Midwest.

Safie Specialty Foods is a third-generation family owned and operated company, making all products within the United States. For almost 90 years, Safie has been preserving the robust flavors of Michigan’s harvests, while embracing old world traditions.

The vision of Safie remains true to classic tradition in creating culinary masterpieces. All products are made in small batches and hand-packed to ensure superior quality. Additionally, most Safie gourmet pickled products are gluten-free and kosher certified.

Throughout 2023, MDARD will meet with Michigan's food and agricultural businesses to discuss how they can continue to succeed and how the department can best assist their continuous growth and expansion.

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