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Agribusiness

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When it comes to the agriculture industry, Michigan is cultivating the ideal climate for both crops and business. With optimal weather conditions and a range of tools and resources, Michigan agribusinesses thrive and succeed. Home to 47,000 farms that utilize 10 million acres of farmland, our diverse growing conditions make us the number one producer of squash, cherries, cucumbers, and dried beans. In addition, Michigan offers access to a vast and efficient supply chain and logistics system, providing a cost-effective distribution throughout the Midwest, country and the world.

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.

Agribusiness Success Stories

Agribusiness Expansions Create 165 New Jobs

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced three business expansion projects expected to create a total of 165 new jobs and generate a total capital investment of $17.6 million have received support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. The projects are in Lexington, Ithaca and Standish.

Governor Announces New Dairy Processing Facility in Southwest Michigan

The Michigan Strategic Fund approved funding of a new dairy processing facility in the village of Constantine that will reduce the carbon footprint of dairy byproduct and bring new jobs and infrastructure to the community.

Cherry Republic

From selling T-shirts and cookies outside the trunk of a car to becoming a nationally sought-after brand, has achieved its success over the past 30 years by thinking “a little differently” than most of Corporate America.

FarmWise

The future of agriculture and technology are merging in Michigan thanks to partnerships between Silicon Valley’s FarmWise and Michigan-based Roush.

Great Lakes Ag Irrigation

Growers rely on partners like Six Lakes, Michigan-based Great Lakes Ag Irrigation Inc. to help them keep up with the ever-growing demand for food and natural resources.

Tenera Grains

Tenera Grains transitions its seventh-generation family farm into the secret sauce of whole food granola for consumers in Michigan and beyond.

Why Michigan for Agribusiness

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

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast

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.

Recent Agribusiness Episodes:

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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 recreational activities like boating, fishing, golf, skiing, hiking and more. Michigan is also home to the highly regarded Detroit Institute of Arts, over 100 wineries, and is a craft beer destination. 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.

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Michigan is an Industry Leader

Mobility and Automotive Manufacturing

Michigan is the past, present and future of the global automotive industry.

Engineering Design and Development

As the world leader in automotive and mobility R&D, Michigan is driving the next generation of industry innovation.

Professional and Corporate Services

Companies continue to choose Michigan to locate their headquarters and businesses, tapping into the concentration of talent available for professional and corporate services industries.

Advanced Manufacturing

Michigan is building on its rich manufacturing heritage and technological know-how to develop the innovative, high-tech products of the future.

Life Sciences & Medical Devices

Michigan’s manufacturing prowess and core of world-class medical device companies make the state a top tier location for medical device development and manufacturing.

Tech

Michigan is leading the way in developing innovative solutions for protecting the security of systems and people across the state, country and world.

Semiconductor

Home to the largest producer of polysilicon in the U.S., Michigan’s ability to support the semiconductor industry extends from being the global epicenter of the automotive industry.

Clean Energy

From the manufacturing of electric vehicle charging stations to solar panels and wind turbines, Michigan is a national leader in clean energy investments.