Sep 30, 2020

October proclaimed Michigan Apple Month

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October to be Michigan Apple Month, recognizing the importance of the Michigan apple industry.

Michigan is known for its diverse agriculture, which includes many specialty crops such as apples. Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in the Great Lakes State. Growers dedicate their lives to the industry, operating 775 family-run farms with over 14.9 million apple trees, covering 34,500 acres in Michigan.

“Michigan’s apple growers have worked throughout the COVID-19 crisis to bring apples safely to market. As consumers seek healthy foods to feed their families, many of us have a renewed sense of appreciation for the importance of the food and agriculture industries,”  Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, said in a news release. “The industry appreciates the recognition of the continued hard work and dedication of Michigan’s apple growers.”

This year’s Michigan apple crop is estimated to be 22.5 million bushels (946 million pounds), according to the official crop estimate announced in August at the USApple Outlook meeting, which was held virtually this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Consumers can find Michigan apples at over 200 U-pick orchards and farm markets, or look for bags or stickers indicating ‘Michigan Apples’ at grocery stores,” said Smith.

You can find plenty of inspiration for observing Michigan Apple Month on the Michigan apples website at www.MichiganApples.com. Find unique recipes and tips, kids educational activities, farm market locations and much more.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.

To learn more, visit MichiganApples.com.