One of the things that makes Michigan agriculture stand apart nationally is the diversity of our crops and produce.
Michigan is second in the nation in the number of types of crops produced, which is something we should take pride in.
I have introduced a resolution encouraging the state’s economic development and promotion agency to expand the highly successful Michigan apple campaign to other Michigan-grown products.
Given the positive reaction to apple promotion, it makes sense to extend this campaign to our state’s wide selection of agricultural goods.
My resolution encourages the Michigan Economic Development Corp. to work through the Pure Michigan Campaign and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to promote Michigan-grown foods.
The growth of farmers’ markets and passage of Michigan’s cottage foods law have spiked interest in healthy, fresh foods in our state.
This campaign would draw attention to the impact of agriculture on our economy and way of life and the goods we are producing right here in southwest Michigan.
Highlighting Michigan products, such as wines, fruits and berries, corn and other vegetables and livestock, would reap greater rewards for the state’s 50,000 farms and the more than 1 million residents employed in the field of agriculture.
Van Buren County Farm Bureau President Tod Kubiszak said: “In southwest Michigan, we produce high quality agricultural products of all varieties. As members of the agricultural community, we should take advantage of the popularity of fresh, locally grown products and promote them as effectively as possible.”
I urge our state officials to identify marketable Michigan-grown crops and use the promotional expertise of the Pure Michigan campaign to highlight our diverse harvest.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien and Cass counties and most of Van Buren County.