Agriculture and tourism are the state's second and third leading industries. Together they support economic stability and development, strengthen Michigan's family farms, improve the quality of life for our citizens in both rural and urban areas, and preserve the state's rich and diverse farmland and agricultural heritage.
Koivisto's annual tour of farm markets and agricultural tourism operations began at Leaman's Green Applebarn, located in Freeland; and included stops at LeCronier's Baby Acres in Freeland, and Johnson's Giant Pumpkin in Saginaw.
Michigan's food and agriculture industry contributes more than $71.3 billion annually to the state's economy and employs about one million residents. Michigan produces over 200 commodities on a commercial basis, making the state second only to California in agricultural diversity.
In addition to fresh produce, farm markets offer a wide range of products and family-friendly activities from fresh cider and donuts, pumpkin fields, hay rides, orchard tours, and corn mazes.
The MDA's agricultural tourism Web page is a one-stop shop for finding a fun food and agriculture-related events across the state. Visit www.michigan.gov/agtourismforlinks to www.michiganFarmFun.com( http://www.michiganfarmfun.com/), the Michigan Festivals and Events Web page, the Michigan Apple Committee's list of cider mills and apple markets, and Corn Marketing Program of Michigan's corn maze list.
If you want to combine your farm market excursion with a color tour or family getaway, there are many weekend packages and destinations available for the choosing. For a Pure Michigan autumn experience, your trip begins at Michigan.org ( http://www.michigan.org/).

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