Whitmer proclaims March as Michigan Food and Ag Month

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, to honor and celebrate Michigan’s farmers, the diversity of products grown and processed in our state, and the partnerships that keep the state’s food and agriculture industry thriving.

“Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is a powerhouse, recognized globally for product diversity, climate-smart innovations, and strong economic opportunities,” said Whitmer. “In March, we recognize every person and every business helping make Michigan’s food and ag industry what it is today. In the months ahead, I look forward to working with the Michigan Legislature to deliver a budget that supports our food and ag industry, creates economic opportunity in rural communities by building on the Office of Rural Development that was established last year, and ensures Michigan-made products continue to be enjoyed worldwide.”

Throughout Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will be highlighting unique parts of Michigan’s food and agriculture sector while featuring how the industry positively impacts, improves and protects the lives of Michiganders.

“At MDARD, we want everyone to know Michigan is the place to be for food and agriculture! Throughout March, you’ll see posts across our social media channels spotlighting Michigan’s diverse crops, local food and agriculture entrepreneurs, and events about our growing industry,” said MDARD Acting Director Kathy Angerer. “Governor Whitmer’s commitment to Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is evident in her FY24 recommended budget. This budget allows MDARD to continue efforts to protect our food supply, encourage environmental sustainability, foster economic development, and striving to partner with others to reduce costs for Michigan families.”

MDARD is also celebrating National Weights and Measures Week March 1-7, 2023. MDARD is out there making sure weights and measures devices used by retailers are functioning correctly. This program works diligently to ensure a fair playing field within Michigan’s economy while working to make sure consumers are getting what they pay for to help stretch their dollar.

March also marks the launch of the 2023 Michigan Agriculture magazine, a guide to Michigan’s farms, forests, food, and exports. It features stories about the state’s top crops, environmental innovation, livestock, agribusinesses, tourism, food safety, local products and more.

This year, Cherry Point Farm and Market produced the lavender featured on the front cover. Cherry Point Farm is one of the oldest operating farms in Oceana County just a mile from the Lake Michigan shoreline and minutes from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

Production agriculture, food processing and related businesses comprise a large portion of the state’s workforce, employing 805,000 people or 17.2 percent of our population, and contributing $104.7 billion to our state’s economy each year.

Throughout the month, MDARD social media channels will be featuring unique opportunities, events and activities for Michiganders who are interested in learning more about agricultural and natural resources in Michigan. Events include:

• March 1 –7: National Weights and Measures Week, commemorating President John Adams’ signing of the first U.S. weights and measures law on March 2, 1799; and celebrating the work MDARD Weights and Measures staff does year-round to protect consumers and ensure they get what they pay for when items are sold by weight or volume.

• March 16: MDARD Acting Director Angerer will showcase the 2023 Michigan Agriculture Magazine, which highlights partnerships, innovations, and technologies used in the food and agriculture sector, and tour Kistlercrest Farms and Grand Alpaca Company.

• March 22: Acting Director Angerer will tour the Michigan Turkey Producers Co-op in Grand Rapids and celebrate March Michigan Food and Agriculture Month with a special event hosted by McDonalds.