Michigan's Second-Largest Industry: Growing, Strong, Innovative

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A $60 Billion Industry

• Agriculture contributes more than $60 billion to Michigan's economy – from farming and processing to wholesale and retail sales.
• Agriculture and food processing employ more than one million Michigan residents.
• Payroll for farm workers exceeds $318 million per year.
• Read the economic report published in January, 2006 (PDF fomat)

Built on Family Farms

• Michigan's 53,315 farms include 10.1 million acres.
• More than 90 percent are individual or family owned.

A Diverse and Safe Harvest

With over 125 commodities grown in our soil, Michigan ranks second only to California in the diversity of crops, which means safe food grown close to home.

The Power of Ag Technology

• Biodiesel and ethanol are plant-based fuels helping to reduce dependence on foreign oil.
• Global positioning systems, biotechnology and conservation tillage allow Michigan farms to produce more food on fewer acres while reducing the use of chemicals and fertilizer.