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Applications for Michigan AG Exporter of the Year Due March 12, 2013

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Liza C. Moore
Foster Swift Agricultural Law Update
February 2013

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is accepting applications until March 12, 2013, with the top exporter receiving recognition at an event to be announced at a later date. To be eligible for the award, a company's products must be over 50 percent grown, processed or manufactured in Michigan. Companies with headquarters in other states, but production facilities in Michigan, are invited to apply on the basis of their Michigan-made exports. Past award recipients are eligible to apply five years after their initial award if they have significantly increased their exports or expanded into new markets. The "Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year" application requests background information on the company and its products, the percentage growth of company exports, and the company's export destinations.

"We are committed to supporting the agri-businesses and food processors that are helping reinvent Michigan," said Governor Rick Snyder. "This honor assists us in recognizing the high quality and diverse agricultural products Michigan offers to help us compete in the global marketplace."

"Numerous Michigan’s food and agriculture companies are expanding into new global markets due to increased demand for Michigan grown and produced products," said Jamie Clover Adams, MDARD director. "In 2011, Michigan agricultural exports represented nearly $2.8 billion in economic activity and employed over 20,000 residents. Exports will play a vital role in growing our industry."

Previous winners include: Graceland Fruit, Frankfort; Zeeland Farm Services, Walters Gardens Inc., Zeeland; Honee Bear Canning, Lawton; Cooperative Elevator Company, Pigeon; Cherry Central, Traverse City; and Michigan Apple Committee, DeWitt.

For more information, please contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers, International Marketing Program Manager, at (517) 241-3628, zmitkoj@michigan.gov. Download the application.