
Study Says Agriculture Provides $60 Billion and 1 Million
Jobs to State's Economy
LANSING–Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today said the findings
of a study she requested are confirmation that Michigan’s investment
in agriculture, as well as alternative energy and bio-technology sectors,
will be high-yield. The Michigan State University report estimates the
current and potential impact of Michigan agriculture on the economy
to be $60.1 billion annually and growing. The sector also employs over
1 million Michigan residents.
“Agriculture is an industry ripe with opportunity and support
from the 21st Century Jobs Fund will position them to be a leader in
the alternative energy and bio-technology arenas,” said Granholm.
“Michigan is committed to cultivating an economic climate that
allows all business to prosper.”
The study found that over the last five years, agriculture received
$8.6 billion in public and private investment. Experts predict that
over the next three to five years, the agriculture and food system will
continue contributing significantly to Michigan’s economic development–whether
investment activity remains at current or increased levels.
The study covered all economic activity associated with supply chains
for food and non-food uses of agricultural commodities, such as leather,
food, floriculture, ornamentals, turfgrass, and bio-energy industries.
The report concludes with discussions on both agri-tourism and the potential
of a “bio-economy.” Both of these areas for economic development
need additional study before estimates can be made of their potential
economic impact. The potential of the bio-economy may be especially
large and cause the report’s other estimates of future economic
impact to be substantially underestimated.
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