By Don Koivisto, director, Michigan Department of Agriculture

July 21, 2008

When you think of Michigan’s summer tourism assets, the things that first come to mind are often our state’s sandy beaches, stately forests, meandering streams and lighthouse treasures.  These all truly make summer in Michigan memorable.  However, when you add in Michigan’s family-owned farm markets, world-class wineries, tradition-filled fairs and festivals, pari-mutuel horse racing tracks, community farmers’ markets, and award-winning restaurants, I’m sure you’ll agree that the state’s food and agriculture industry has a few treasures of its own.

When you visit one of these agricultural businesses for recreation, education or to reap the benefits of the season’s harvest, it is called agricultural tourism.  Agricultural tourism is not new to Michigan, but the number, size and uniqueness of agricultural tourism businesses have grown in response to consumer demand for an on-farm experience and local products, and the farmers’ need to diversify their farm operations for economic success.

Visiting a farm, festival, fair, or agricultural tourism operation offers family-friendly fun as part of an extended vacation combined with other travel activities or as a day trip.  In addition to taste-tempting fresh produce, fresh baked goods, jams, jellies and other specialty food products, many farms offer hayrides, farm tours, petting zoos, corn mazes and other agri-entertainment activities.

And, when you visit an agricultural tourism operation, or purchase locally grown and processed Michigan products, you directly support farmers and agri-businesses and the local and state economy.

In fact, for every dollar spent locally, three to seven different local businesses are impacted before that dollar leaves the local economy. If every household spends just $10 per week of their current grocery budget on local foods, we’d keep more than $37 million each week circulating within Michigan.

So, while you’re out and about this summer, enjoying Michigan’s natural and recreational resources, or if you get a hankering for some fresh, delicious Michigan food and agriculture products, stop on by one of our state’s agricultural tourism treasures and select a taste of summer.  You’re sure to have an experience that is Pure Michigan.

For more information about Michigan’s agricultural tourism industry, including farm markets, U-pick operations, community farmers’ markets, fairs and festivals, horse racing and Michigan wineries, visit www.michigan.gov/agtourism.  Select Michigan.  It’s good for you, our growers and our local economy!