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Michigan celebrates Food and Ag Month

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is continuing the tradition of declaring March as Food and Agriculture Month in Michigan.

Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Gary McDowell tells Brownfield Michigan’s diversity is key to growing the ag industry, “We have such rich and varied soil types, the microcosms with the Great Lakes having 21 percent of the fresh water in the world right here in Michigan—it just gives us a unique opportunity with ag and to continue to grow this business.”

The state’s food and agricultural industry provides nearly $105 billion annually to the economy, employing 22 percent of the state’s workforce. Michigan farmers produce over 300 commodities, making it the second most agriculturally diverse state in the country.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture is partnering with Michigan Farm Bureau, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Grand Traverse Pie Company, McDonald’s of Michigan, Michigan State University, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and more to highlight the various facets of sector over the next month.