July 2022: Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Appreciation Month

WHEREAS, for over 100 years, Michigan’s migrant and seasonal farm workers have helped sustain and grow Michigan’s more than 162 commercial crops, making Michigan one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the U.S.; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is one of the country’s leading employers of migrant and seasonal labor who play an important role in the planting, cultivating, harvesting, and packaging of 41 labor-intensive crops; and,

WHEREAS, migrant and seasonal farmworkers contribute greatly to the Michigan economy and help generate $2.3 billion in farm gate revenues each year; and,

WHEREAS, more than 90,000 migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families travel into and throughout our state every year to work, and they are essential to the farming industry, as well as display dedication and a strong work ethic that is an inspiration to those around the state; and,

WHEREAS, we recognize migrant and seasonal farmworkers for their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to continue planting, harvesting, and processing food in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, we are pleased to join with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to recognize Michigan’s migrant and seasonal farmworkers for their incredible determination and accomplishments and offer our sincerest appreciation for the contributions they continue to make to our cities, state, and nation;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim July 2022 as Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Appreciation Month in Michigan.