By Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture

As we take time to reflect on the past year, I want to acknowledge and applaud the job growth and retention in the agri-food industry and celebrate its nearly $64 billion annual impact on the state’s economy. From business expansion, which created or retained thousands of jobs, to making agriculture a sought after career path, Michigan’s agri-business industry continues to thrive and grow despite the current economic climate.

As Michigan’s second largest economic driver, our agri-food sector is a multi-billion dollar a year business and produces more than 200 commodities, ranking second only to California in agricultural diversity. Not only does Michigan lead the nation in production of 20 agri-food commodities, but is also 1st and 4th in the nation for floriculture and Christmas tree production, respectively.

One developing area of agri-food commodities is cranberry production. With potential for production expansion, the cranberry industry could play a significant role in supporting Michigan’s future economy. Along with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Cranberry Council, MDA co-sponsored a Cranberry Session at the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo to explore the possibilities of cranberry production in Michigan and the positive effects it will have on our state.

Michigan’s agri-food industry continues to grow with business expansions of household names such as Kellogg Company and Gerber (a subsidiary of Nestle’ Nutrition). Kellogg Company is creating 300 new food research jobs through the expansion of the W.K Kellogg Institute for Food and Nutrition Research, Kellogg’s center for food research, development and innovation. Gerber is also expanding, through a $75 million investment over the next 10 years into its current Fremont plant; they are committed to retaining 1,100 employees and creating 200 new jobs.

Another main component of the agriculture industry’s $64 billion economic impact comes from Michigan’s annual exports. As one of the top 20 state agriculture exporters in the nation, Michigan’s annual agriculture exports generate more than $1.2 billion and employ over 13,800 residents.

These achievements further underscore the importance of the agri-food industry in Michigan for job growth, job creation, and economic support. Despite tough economic times, agriculture continues to be a thriving industry and supports many Michigan families. As we close out a successful 2008, the Michigan Department of Agriculture is looking forward to a promising 2009.

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CONTACT: Jennifer Holton, MDA Public Information Officer, 517-241-2485 or via email at holtonj@michigan.gov.