Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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October 01, 2023
WHEREAS, agritourism is a niche form of tourism and defines the places where agriculture and tourism connect, including any time a farming operation opens its doors to the public and invites visitors to enjoy their products and services; and,
WHEREAS, autumn is an ideal time to visit agritourism destinations for a variety of delicious Michigan products at the peak of harvest, including apples and apple cider, peaches, pears, plums, pumpkins, and squash; and,
WHEREAS, many farm markets, roadside stands, and farmers markets also offer a wide variety of value-added products including jams and jellies, fresh fruit pies and other baked goods, ice cream and cheese, pickles, sauces, and much more; and,
WHEREAS, agriculture and tourism are leading economic drivers in Michigan, and agritourism provides ways for farmers to diversify their operations by offering value-added products and activities to protect their businesses against challenging weather conditions and market fluctuations; and,
WHEREAS, visitors can find an abundance of fun and educational activities at Michigan’s agritourism destinations, including corn mazes, cider mills, U-pick operations, horse riding stables, farm tours, petting farms, hayrides, and farm-to-table dinners; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan’s dairy farms and on-farm creameries allow families to visit the farm, watch cows being milked, experience how dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream are made, and then sample some of those delicious products; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan’s craft beverage industry offers an opportunity to sample and choose from thousands of Michigan wines, craft beers, hard ciders, meads, and distilled beverages at agritourism destinations; and,
WHEREAS, agritourism opportunities are available in every county in our state and Michigan Agritourism Month is a special time to acknowledge and recognize the vast, integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers who work to ensure a safe and nutritious food supply along with rich farm experiences that are enjoyed by many throughout our state and nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2023 as Michigan Agritourism Month.