March 17 -- Blog 2 -- Lisa's Musings (on Michigan Agriculature Day) and Every Day Life

The governor has had a change of heart about Michigan MeatOut Day Saturday ... it's now being proclaimed "Michigan Agriculture Day."

Here's the new proclamation.

Whereas, March signifies a national celebration of the importance of agriculture in the United States as it provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a daily basis; and to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by Michigan's farmers and the agriculture sector; and,

Whereas, Michigan's farmers provide consumers with not only food and fiber, but also biofuels and other sources of renewable energy, which are essential to life; and,

Whereas, Michigan's food and agriculture industry, our state's second largest economic driver, contributes over $71.3 billion to our state's economy each year; and production agriculture, food processing, and related businesses employ about one million people and produces mores more than 200 commodities on a commercial basis making Michigan second only to California in agricultural diversity; and,

Whereas, Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people, a dramatic increase from 25 people in the 1960s, there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the United States; and,

Whereas, Michigan's integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers work to ensure a safe and nutritious food supply enjoyed by millions throughout our state; and,

Whereas, Michigan consumers and retailers have proven to prefer purchasing Michigan grown and processed food and agriculture products; and,

Whereas, Michigan's agriculture industry provides a variety of wholesome and healthy products including but not limited to beef, dairy, field crops, fruits, horticulture products, pork, poultry, sheep, vegetables; and,

Whereas, Michigan's agricultural economy expanded at a rate of more than five times faster than the rate of the general economy (11.9 percent versus 2 percent) between 2006 and 2007 making agriculture a cornerstone to diversifying Michigan's economy in the future; and,

Whereas, I urge all Michiganians to join me in recognizing the importance of our agricultural industry, from farm to fork, and to help celebrate this day with meals made with a variety of local Michigan ingredients, including but not limited to meat, vegetables, and dairy products; and,

Whereas, The first day of spring has been traditionally designated National Agriculture Day since 1973;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 20, 2010, Michigan Agriculture Day, and encourage people throughout the state of Michigan to partake in the abundance of Michigan's agricultural commodities.

It just goes to show you, Lansing can move quickly on issues -- when it wants to.

So, enjoy your cow, pig, lamb, chicken, fish, etc. without guilt Saturday, and don't forget to partake in the many other Michigan homegrown products, such as veggies and fruit, and high fiber things, too.

The governor said it's OK.