Dec 10, 2025

Deeper dive: Michigan farms create 26,400 jobs and $5.39 billion in economic impact

A new study confirms what many of you already know: Michigan specialty crop farms are a significant economic force within the state.

The study was commissioned by the Michigan Vegetable Council and executed in conjunction with Michigan State Universities’ Product Center Food-Ag-Bio. Study results were shared during a meeting at the 2025 Great Lakes Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

According to data collected during the last Census of Agriculture survey, the Wolverine State had 3,213 farmers growing vegetables across nearly 153,000 acres of farmland in 2022.

“One thing that really impressed me about this sector is, despite all the difficulties farmers are facing, Michigan farmers are still holding their own,” said Bill Knudson, product marketing economist MSU Product Center Food • Ag • Bio.

Here are five quick takeaways from the study:

1. The combined vegetable farming and processing sectors generate $5.39 billion to Michigan’s economy and support 26,400 jobs. Those numbers show the industry’s significance and specialty crop farmers wield significant influence and leverage for advocating for industry-friendly regulations and financial policies.
2. About 60% of Michigan’s vegetables are processed in-state, and processing alone contributes $3.28 billion to the economy. According to the report, Michigan has 36 facilities that manufacture frozen foods and 165 facilities that process canned fruits and vegetables. Therefore, maintaining strong ties with local and regional food processors is critical to long-term farm profitability.
3. The state’s variable soils are well-suited for vegetable production and Michigan’s proximity to major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Milwaukee and Cleveland provides key market access.
4. Michigan specialty crop farms produce 50% of the nation’s fresh asparagus, 30% of cucumbers, and 25% of squash, plus the state ranks second nationally in dry beans. Michigan is also a major producer of potatoes, especially for potato chips, the study notes.
5. Rising input costs, labor shortages and regulatory pressures are a few of the major challenges Michigan growers face. However, the state’s vegetable and fruit growers are resilient in the face of economic headwinds and quick to adapt to shifting market forces.

Check out the full, 12-page study via the PDF reader above.