On the Issues
AGRICULTURE Michigan’s agriculture industry adds over $4 billion annually to the state’s economy and is Michigan’s second largest industry next to the auto industry. Farming however, is more than an industry; it is a way of life. Michigan has 53,000 farms, with an average farm size of 200 acres. Over ninety percent of these are family owned farms, many of which have been in the same family for generations. Few states have Michigan's diversity of agricultural crops. Michigan is one of the nation’s leading producers of traditional crops such as corn, wheat and soybeans as well as “specialty crops” such as apples, asparagus, beans, blueberries and cherries. Michigan ranks first in the nation in the production of black beans, cranberry beans, light red kidney beans, blueberries, tart cherries, cucumbers, Niagara grapes, flowering hanging baskets, geraniums and impatiens. Michigan ranks in the top five nationally in the production of all dry beans, celery, apples, asparagus, snap beans, carrots, concord grapes, radishes, sweet cherries, plums, sugar beets tomatoes and pumpkins. In addition, Michigan’s farmers are among the nation’s most creative. They have led the way in developing new crops, finding innovative uses for traditional crops while developing cooperative ventures that allow farmers and Michigan’s rural communities to keep more of the value of their products. In addition to providing food to the world, Michigan’s farmers play a key role in limiting sprawl, preserving environmentally sensitive land and ensuring water quality. Michigan 's farmers are also at the forefront of alternative fuel production, which is essential to breaking our dependence on foreign oil. Several farmer owned ethanol facilities have opened up over the past few years and more are on the way. With our excellent University system and significant private sector investment, Michigan is sure to play a major role in future biofuels research and development, including cellulosic ethanol. Senator Levin has consistently supported measures to assist family farmers as they continue providing Michigan, our nation and the world with a safe, healthy and affordable food supply while acting as stewards of our nation’s natural resources. Some of the agricultural issues addressed by Senator Levin:
Links to Agriculture-Related Web Sites: Government: These links provide access to both federal and state sites that deal with agriculture policy.
Farm Assistance: These sites provide links to a few sites that offer financial assistance to farmers.
National Farm Groups: These groups represent farmers, young and old, on an array of issues important to agriculture.
Conservation, Rural Development and Land Use: Links to a variety of issues of importance to all who care about conservation and the health of rural America.
Cooperatives: Cooperatives can provide farmers and consumers the chance to obtain greater value from their products.
University Research and Extension Services: Links to Michigan institutions of higher education.
Nutrition, Food Safety and Hunger Issues: A healthy diet is essential for all Americans. These links provide information about proper nutrition, food safety and a variety of national, international and Michigan based organizations that are seeking alleviate hunger.
Organic Foods: These links provide insight into the latest developments among organic growers. Apples: Depending on the crop year, Michigan is the second or third largest producer of apples in the United States. Asparagus: Michigan is the nation=s third largest producer of asparagus. Beans: Michigan is second largest producer of all dry beans, and is largest producer of dry black bean, dry cranberry beans and dry navy beans. Every day, the Senate is required to serve bean soup which includes Michigan white beans. Click below for the recipe of Senate Bean Soup. Beekeeping: Provides honey for consumers and pollination for many Michigan crops. Blueberries: Michigan is the nation's leading producer of blueberries. Cherries: Michigan is the leading producer of tart red cherries. Christmas Trees: An overlooked, but festive Michigan commodity Corn: Michigan is the 6th largest producer of corn for silage. Flowers and Horticulture: Michigan is one of the nation=s largest producer of flowers. Much of this industry is located in Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Monroe and Ottawa counties. Forestry: Michigan is home to three National Forests: the Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa.
Grapes: Michigan is the fourth largest producer of grapes in the United States. Livestock: Livestock farms are found throughout the state. Approximately 8 million turkey are raised in MI each year and nearly 110,000 cattle come from MI each year.
Maple Syrup: Michigan is the nation=s seventh largest maple syrup producer. Mushrooms: Edible mushrooms in MI are found in the wild and cultivated. Peaches: Peach trees were first planted in Michigan in the 1780's. Potatoes: Michigan is the largest producer of potatoes for potato chips is the nation.
Soybeans: Soybeans are a staple crop found on many of Michigan's farms. Specialty Crops: The Western side of Michigan is some of the most fertile land for growing specialty crops in the United States. Wheat: This staple crop is grown throughout much of Michigan. |