Oct 9, 2023

October is Michigan Apple Month

Recognizing the importance of the Michigan apple industry, October is Michigan Apple Month

Governor Gretchen Whitmer in Lansing, Michigan, made the proclamation on Oct. 1.

“Michigan is known for its diverse agriculture, which includes many specialty crops such as apples,” according to a news release. “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.”

Michiganders have long enjoyed the tradition of the state’s famously flavorful apples, according to the release. Consumers can find Michigan apples at more than 150 u-pick orchards and farm markets or look for bags or stickers indicating “Michigan apples” at grocery stores.

“Apples are an integral part of fall tradition in Michigan. Everyone loves these special treats Michigan apple growers provide for us,” Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, said in the release. “Whether we get them from orchards, farm markets, cider mills, or grocery stores, Michigan apples continue to be the best of fall time.”

This fall brings the second large Michigan Apple crop in a row and is estimated to be 32 million bushels or 1.3 billion pounds, according to the official crop estimate announced in August at the USApple Outlook meeting in Chicago. Average annual crop size is approximately 24 million bushels.

“Michigan apples are vital to the state’s agriculture industry and economy. It is impressive how the Michigan apple industry continues to grow,” Smith said in the release. “Our industry appreciates the recognition of the hard work and dedication of Michigan’s apple growers.”

MichiganApples.com shows visitors how they can discover new ways to celebrate Michigan Apple Month. Those ways include unique recipes, tips, flavor profiles, and information about orchards, cider mills and farm markets. The website was recently redesigned.

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.