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Michigan's agribusiness industry produces over 300 agriculture commodities annually.
Michigan ranks as the #2 state for agricultural diversity in the nation.
Michigan is home to more than 2,000 food processors generating more than $23 billion in economic activity in 2016.
Michigan is the No. 1 producer of tart cherries (65% of total U.S. production), cucumbers, dry beans, squash and asparagus.
Michigan ranks #6 in the nation and #1 in the Midwest for wine production.
Michigan’s food and beverage processing industry employs more than 805,000 people, accounts for 17% of Michigan’s manufacturing employment, and is one of the three largest industries in Michigan.
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Michigan: The Hands that Feed You
Michigan has a proud heritage of making things and providing for its communities, and that sustenance comes from the state’s robust agriculture industry. Farms and food-processing companies throughout the state generate and grow essential products, creating tens of thousands of jobs.
Michigan is home to nearly 1,800 dairy farms with 427,000 dairy cows. In 2019, Michigan produced 11.4 billion pounds of milk, accounting for 5.2% of total U.S. milk production. This type of agribusiness environment along with MEDC’s support was critical in securing projects like the 142-acre site in St. Johns, which was chosen in Fall 2018 as the location for a new dairy processing facility by Spartan Michigan, LLC. When completed this joint venture between Glanbia plc, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. and Select Milk Producers, Inc. is expected to manufacture cheese, whey protein powder and process more than 8-million pounds of milk per day, making it among the largest dairy processing facilities in the nation.
The project is supported by an estimated $27.6 million in grants and tax abatements from Michigan Strategic Fund and our partners including the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Michigan Department of Transportation. The project is expected to generate a total investment of $425 million and create up to 259 jobs, helping Mid-Michigan workers earn stronger wages and further invigorating Michigan’s dairy industry.
Top Agribusiness Companies in Michigan
Michigan's optimal resources for the agriculture industry is highlighted in several episodes of The Michigan Opportunity Podcast. Now in its third season, host Ed Clemente has been joined by several guests specializing in agribusiness, agritourism, and more. Click on the episode links to the right and listen to insightful conversations and hear about new, emerging global trends.
Living in Michigan
Michigan’s attractive business climate is surpassed only by its natural beauty and active lifestyle. With four seasons, 11,000 lakes and the country’s longest freshwater coastline, Michigan offers ample opportunities to enjoy all kinds of recreational activities. We also have the lowest cost of living of any state in the Midwest. When it comes to living and doing business, nothing compares to Pure Michigan.
Michigan is an Industry Leader
