Growers Finding Some Success in Rough Economy
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture, farming revenue statewide has grown six percent in the past year.
Duke Elsner, Ag. Educator with the MSU Extension Office, says there is also a growing interest in agriculture as growers are become more visible to the public.
The farm business plan is trending toward more direct marketing, direct sales, and working directly with local retailers.
It's a plan that's working for many. The growers save money by bringing the customer to the crop.
Growers have been taking greater advantage of farmers markets and Ag-Tourism as well.
Denny Hoxsie grows tart and sweet cherries, apples, and other vegetables in the Acme area and is currently trying to downsize from a commercial operation to a smaller farm.
He says "U-Pick" events, a farm store, and other educational Ag-Tourism elements are an important part of the process.
"In the past, people would pick apples or cherries because they were saving money and they could can what they picked and preserve it for the winter at a low cost," Hoxie says," now, it seems to have changed into a family event for entertainment."
Another trend giving local farms a boost is a growing demand for local produce in restaurants and shops.
Hoxsie says, "People are more concerned with buying local. The recent peanut butter scare is a good example. People want to know where their food comes from and want to know that it was grown in a safe and responsible way."
As for the future, Duke Elsner projects the growth will continue in 2009.
Elsner says vineyards are expanding and new crops are being planted around Northern Michigan.
As farms begin producing hops in Grand Traverse County, Elsner says new opportunities will open up for growers and local breweries.
