LANSING, Mich. - The State of Michigan today kicked off the search for the "Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year" from within the state's growing agriculture export industry.  Applications will be accepted until March 7, 2011, with the top exporter receiving recognition at an event to be announced at a later date. 

“We are positioned well here in Michigan to meet the global demands for diverse agricultural products,” said Governor Rick Snyder. “We are committed to supporting the agri-businesses and food processors that are helping reinvent Michigan.” "Agricultural exporters are helping Michigan compete in a global marketplace by showcasing our high quality products, while expanding the state's trade markets," said Keith Creagh, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) director. "In 2009, Michigan agricultural exports represented $1.5 billion in economic activity and employed over 12,000 residents."

To be eligible, 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 recipients of the "Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year" are eligible to apply five years after their initial award if they have 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.  Nominations are due to MDA's International Marketing Program by March 7, 2011.  Self-nominations by companies are encouraged. 

Last year, the Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year honor went to Zeeland Farm Services of Zeeland for their strong commitment to providing non-GMO products on an international scale and its prospects of sustained export growth in the future. Previous winners include: Walters Gardens Inc., Zeeland; Honee Bear Canning, Lawton; Cooperative Elevator Company, Pigeon; Cherry Central, Traverse City; Michigan Apple Committee, DeWitt; and Graceland Fruit Inc., Frankfort.

For more information, please contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers, International Marketing Program Manager, at (517) 241-3628, zmitkoj@michigan.gov. The application can be obtained at www.Michigan.gov/agexport (under Promoational Activities) or by clicking here.

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