Lansing, MI - Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed October as Agritourism Month in Michigan to celebrate and honor the economic and social benefits of agritourism to our state’s farms and communities.
Autumn trips to farms, wineries, farm markets, cider mills and other agritourism businesses offers a great opportunity to enjoy all that Michigan has to offer while supporting family farms, small businesses, and rural communities across Michigan.
“This October, we’re celebrating Agritourism Month in Michigan by acknowledging all the hardworking family farmers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers who produce safe, nutritious food for us to eat and offer us unique, fun farm experiences,” said Governor Whitmer. “From farmers markets to on-farm markets, corn mazes to cider mills, wineries to farm weddings, Michigan’s farms are backdrops for lifelong memories. I hope you take some time this fall to enjoy Michigan’s unparalleled agritourism industry.”
Agritourism is a niche form of tourism and defines the places where agriculture and tourism connect, including any time a farming operation opens its doors to the public inviting visitors to enjoy their products and services. Agriculture and tourism are leading economic drivers in Michigan. Agritourism offers farmers a path to diversification of their businesses to include value-added products and activities, which helps them better withstand things like poor weather conditions and market fluctuations.
Examples of agritourism include farmers markets, on-farm markets, wineries, roadside produce stands, on-farm weddings and events, corn mazes and much more. Agritourism is a year-round business for many farms in Michigan, but Agritourism Month is celebrated in October at the peak of harvest and during a time when people traditionally visit farms, pumpkin patches, and cider mills.
“Agritourism opportunities are available in every county in our state, providing loads of family friendly fun,” said Gary McDowell, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director. “There’s nothing like visiting a farm to pick fresh, crisp apples or take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch to find that perfect pumpkin. And don’t forget the cider and donuts, or a fresh-baked pie to take home.”
Visit www.MichiganFarmFun.com for a directory of Michigan agritourism businesses. The directory is searchable by business name, product, and region.
Proclamation: Michigan Agritourism Month.pdf.