July 16, 2008

LANSING - Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Don Koivisto today urged state municipalities to follow suit of two local governments and implement some of the recommendations of the Agricultural Tourism Advisory Commission to encourage the purchase of locally grown products as a means to keep Michigan dollars circulating in communities.  Agri-tourism offers a broad spectrum of experiences from farm markets to wineries to Christmas trees to fall corn mazes and much more.

Washington Township (Macomb Co.) and Bingham Township Zoning Board (Leelanau Co.) have recently passed and/or implemented zoning ordinances patterned after the recommendations outlined in the Agricultural Tourism Advisory Commission to further encourage agricultural tourism in their areas. 

“I applaud the foresight of Bingham and Washington townships to cultivate Ag tourism in their communities.  When you combine the state’s second and third largest industries - agriculture and tourism - they become an economic tour de force,” said Koivisto. “These local zoning ordinance changes demonstrate the value in maintaining, preserving, and encouraging local farming operations.  Additionally, these two townships serve as excellent examples of what can be accomplished by local units of government to foster the development of Ag tourism and creating investment and jobs while making agri-businesses more viable.”

Michigan’s rural communities can benefit from fostering the stability and growth of agri-tourism business.  The number, size, and uniqueness of this industry continue to grow in response to consumer demand for locally-grown and made products and are vital for the continued viability for the continued sustainability of the state’s food and agriculture sector.

“As a value-added marketing opportunity, agri-tourism is becoming increasingly important to Michigan’s economic health and diversification,” said Koivisto.  “Consumers spending just $10 per week on Michigan grown products help keep approximately $37 million circulating in our communities, which offers a bright spot in the state’s struggling economy.”

The Agricultural Tourism Advisory Commission was created as a result of bipartisan legislation signed into law in 2005.  In 2007, the Commission compiled a report outlining the effects of local zoning on agricultural tourism; a model of local zoning ordinance provisions to promote agricultural tourism; recommendations concerning the use of logo signage to promote agricultural tourism; recommendations for other measures to promote and remove barriers to agricultural tourism; and any other recommendations concerning agricultural tourism.

For more information, visit the “Ag Tourism” Web site at www.michigan.gov/agtourism.