MI: AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS INFORMATION PROVIDED TO STATE LAWMAKERS
News Date July 21, 2009
Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto has presented state lawmakers with a tool highlighting the importance of agriculture in their districts. The booklet outlines agricultural output by Michigan Senate and House districts with information derived from the 2007 Census of Agriculture. The publication is produced by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Services’ (NASS), Michigan Field Office (MIFO) through voluntary surveys of Michigan’s farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses and is available here.
“Michigan is the first in the nation to provide this helpful tool which offers legislators a clear understanding of the diversity and value of agriculture in their district,” said Don Koivisto, MDA Director. “Michigan’s food and agri-business industry is growing and currently represents $71.3 billion in economic activity for our state. This information further underscores the role agriculture has in diversifying and expanding Michigan’s economic base.” Additional information and data can be accessed at www.nass.usda.gov. Questions should be directed to 1-800-453-7501.(Contact: Jennifer Holton, at: 517-241-2485 or holtonj@michigan.gov).