Michigan Food Processing is an Economic Generator

by Aaron Phelps, Agricultural Law
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University recently released new economic figures that show Michigan’s food processing industry generates nearly $25 billion in overall economic activity and employs over 130,000 Michigan workers. “Michigan food processors play a substantial role in supporting the State’s economy and have the potential to be instrumental in diversifying our economic base while creating new jobs,” said MDA Director Don Koivisto. According to Koivisto, “With continued investment and policy support, there is a tremendous opportunity for both small and large scale operations to grow and expand the food processing industry in Michigan.” Michigan is second only to California in agricultural diversity. Currently, Michigan has over 1,500 licensed food processors handling over 200 commodities on a commercial basis.

Michigan also leads the country in good agricultural practices. The USDA recently announced that Michigan farmers received the best results for more than 300 farm audits conducted by MDA in 2009 and 2010. The GAP Audit program is voluntary and is used to verify farm compliance with FDA food safety guidelines.