Dear Friend,

Fall has arrived, and with it, peak harvest for some of Michigan’s most delicious produce and treats. This fall, I encourage you to take advantage of all of the goodness our farmers have to offer as they open their doors and invite visitors across Michigan.

• Michigan is home to over 100 cider mills: Plan the perfect fall day with your loved ones at a local cider mill and enjoy everything from fresh produce to baked goods to locally distilled brews.
• Visit a pumpkin patch: Explore a corn maze, discover new friends at a petting zoo, and stock up on pumpkins for carving at a local patch.
• Enjoy farm-to-table dining: Visit a local farm offering a fresh dining experience to enjoy a meal grown right here in Michigan.

Every fall, our hardworking local farmers bring fresh, seasonal produce to our tables. Let’s thank them by visiting local markets, orchards, and farms and enjoying all that they have to offer.

As we enjoy Michigan’s harvest season, another fall favorite is just a week away — Halloween! Take our short Halloween survey below.

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

Ensuring the Success of Michigan Farmers 

Since I took office, I have remained committed to investing in and supporting our rural economy. Each year, Michigan farmers produce more than 200 different agricultural products, making us one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation. In 2024, Michigan set a new state export record by exporting nearly $3 billion of food and agriculture products.

But recently, federal tariffs are increasing production costs for farmers and making it harder for them to sell their produce, causing massive uncertainty for our farmers and agriculture industry and threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs statewide. This is also raising the cost of groceries, making it more expensive for Michiganders to feed their families. While we cannot change the national tariff rate, we must work together at the state level to support the farmers and producers who help put fresh, affordable food on our tables.

Our new budget supports our farmers by making investments and continuing key agricultural programs like:

• More than $17.1 million in grant funding that strengthens Michigan agribusinesses, creates new jobs, and drives economic prosperity across both peninsulas.
• $3 million to the Farm to Family program; a first-of-its-kind program that strengthens agri-food systems across our two peninsulas, supporting small-scale farmers, and promoting local produce.
• $2.3 million for the Office of Rural Prosperity to support economic growth and infrastructure projects to strengthen rural communities across Michigan.
• $1.4 million for the rural development fund grant program, sustaining land-based industries and supporting projects that create jobs and modernize rural infrastructure.

More information about available funding for the food and agriculture sector is available on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development website.

I remain committed to supporting the farmers and producers who help put fresh, affordable food on our tables. This fall, I encourage everyone to support farmers by choosing Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables and visiting a Michigan cider mill, apple orchard, or pumpkin patch.

Halloween Survey

Halloween is just one week away! Kids (and grownups) across Michigan are getting ready to dress up in their favorite costumes, carve pumpkins, and hit their neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. Whether you’re buying costumes for your kids or a coordinating a costume with your BFF, Halloween costumes can be expensive. From candy and decorations to costumes and party supplies, Halloween costs can add up.