Governor Gretchen Whitmer has 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 our food and agriculture industry thriving.
“Michigan’s food and agriculture industry is a national powerhouse. We’ve generated 805,000 jobs, and more than $104 billion to our state’s economy annually, getting things done every single day,” said Governor Whitmer. “Innovators and entrepreneurs within the food and ag sector continue to choose Michigan to grow and establish their operations. They offer new business and career opportunities for Michiganders, making food and agriculture a cornerstone of Michigan’s continued reinvention. In March, we recognize every person and every business helping make Michigan’s food and ag industry what it is today.”
Throughout Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will partner and showcase various events with Michigan State University Extension, commodity organizations, McDonald’s of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, and others to highlight the various facets of the state’s food and agriculture sector and provide opportunities to learn more about how the food and agriculture industry impacts and improves the lives of Michigan residents.
“One of the best parts of my job is travelling around the state to meet the people who make Michigan’s food and agriculture industry strong, thriving and successful, and I look forward to continuing these visits during March,” said Gary McDowell, MDARD director. “Throughout the entire month of March, you’ll see posts on our social media channels featuring Michigan crops, food and agriculture businesses, and MDARD employees who help support and grow our industry. We will also highlight nutrition tips to celebrate National Nutrition Month, share information about National Weights and Measures Week, feature children’s books about food and agriculture for March is Reading Month, and provide safety information for our farmers, businesses and constituents during Severe Weather Preparedness Week.”
Some of the highlights during the month:
Throughout the Month: Agriculture and Natural Resources Week at Michigan State University, featuring virtual learning opportunities, events and activities for farmers and other people interested in agricultural and natural resources in Michigan.
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 2: Official unveiling of the 2022 Michigan Agriculture magazine in Old Town Lansing. The magazine highlights partnerships, innovations, and technologies used in the food and agriculture sector. This year’s edition will be available at Michigan Welcome Centers and ag-related events across the state, as well as Michigan State University Extension and Conservation District offices across the state, and online at https://farmflavor.com/michigan-agriculture/.
March 8: Celebrate Michigan beef and pickles with McDonald’s of Michigan with a mini taste testing at a McDonald’s restaurant near Saginaw.
March 22: Celebration of National Agriculture Day commemorating the industry’s contributions to our nation.
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