Michigan
Michigan growers are national leaders for several specialty crops, and the state ships fruits and vegetables every month of the year.
Established in June 1978, the Michigan Asparagus Industry Development Program was designed to improve the economic position of Michigan asparagus growers by supporting research and market development efforts.
An above-average apple crop is anticipated this year for Michigan, which has an average annual crop size of about 24 million bushels.
The merger expands the opportunity and scope of both companies to serve their unique customer base, while also working together with the customers the two companies share coast to coast.
With another good apple crop anticipated for 2024, Sparta, Mich.-based Applewood Fresh Growers is well-stocked to market premium 2023 apples well into the summer, company officials say.
The USDA recently awarded over $2.2 million in Fiscal Year 2023 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding to Michigan.
The Michigan Apple Committee has contracted with the FoodMix agency to assist with the group’s consumer marketing efforts, says Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.
“Skyrocketing labor costs driven by an unrealistic, unsustainable federal government calculation pose a critical threat ...” said Michigan Agri-Business Association President Chuck Lippstreu.
The Hart, Mich.-based asparagus grower-packer-shipper says it will also dedicate its investments in expanding sales programs for other Michigan asparagus growers, as well as its own programs.
”... I am grateful that the full diversity of farms ... are now reflected in our funding and our agriculture policies,” Sen. Debbie Stabenow said in a farewell address.