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Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO
and the Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo |
December 7-9, 2010 |
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2009 Special Events
Industry Outlook Luncheon (return to top)Tuesday, December 8, Noon - 1:30 p.m.
This event brings together grower leaders and others with an interest in issues
important to agriculture. Congressman Pete Hoekstra (invited) will be the featured
speaker at this year’s luncheon. Congressman Hoekstra represents Michigan’s second
Congressional district, which ranks first in the state in value of agricultural
production and includes large acreages of specialty crops. He understands the issues
important to agriculture. Now serving his ninth term in the U.S. Congress,
he has announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for Governor.
He will share his thoughts on the importance of agriculture to Michigan’s economic future.
Grape Industries Luncheon (return to top)Tuesday, December 8, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
This luncheon program is co-sponsored by the Michigan
Grape and Wine Council and National Grape Cooperative for
the purpose of discussing topics of importance to the juice and
wine sectors of the Michigan grape industry.
MSHS and MVC Annual Meetings (return to top)Tuesday, December 8, 4:30 p.m. The annual meetings of the Michigan State Horticultural Society (MSHS) and the Michigan Vegetable Council (MVC) will include director elections and reports on activities. All members are welcome to attend. Meet the Buyers Reception (return to top)Tuesday, December 8, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Are you looking to tap into new retail and wholesale markets with your homegrown, local produce? Michigan fruit and vegetable growers can get connected to new markets at the 2009 Meet the Buyers Reception. Hosted by Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS), MSU Product Center for Ag and Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Agriculture, this reception links Michigan growers with retail and wholesale buyers. Last year’s event drew together more than 140 farmers and industry representatives. For more information on this event, go to www.miffs.org. Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association Gathering (return to top)Tuesday, December 8, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Held just prior to the popular Farm Market Roundtable, this gathering is for all Michigan farm market and agri-tourism operators who wish to learn more about the Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association. This will be an enjoyable social time and an opportunity for informal discussion about the work of this organization. Light refreshments will be served. The association will be holding a brief annual meeting during the gathering. Michigan Apple Queen Pageant (return to top)Tuesday, December 8, 8:00 p.m. Reigning Michigan Apple Queen Amber Nyblad from Casnovia will crown the 2010 Michigan Apple Queen at the conclusion of this enjoyable event. The pageant is sponsored by the Michigan Apple Committee. No ticket is required to attend. Prayer Breakfast (return to top)Wednesday, December 9, 7:00 a.m.
This event provides a time for Christian fellowship and an
opportunity to pray for our industry and our country. The message
will be provided in song and readings by Steve Zebell
from Dowagiac, Michigan. Steve teaches music and drama
at Hartford High School. He is an accomplished musician both
in piano and voice. After graduating from college, Steve traveled
with a choir around the world, ministering in song and
testimony.
Michigan Apple Growers Luncheon (return to top)Wednesday, December 9, Noon - 1:30 p.m. This is a free luncheon program open to all Michigan apple growers. This luncheon is co-sponsored by the Michigan Apple Committee and a number of industry sponsors. A featured speaker will address an issue of importance to apple growers. The program will also include updates from the Michigan Apple Committee and USApple. From Farm to Food Bank: How Your Surplus Can Help Michigan’s Hungry (return to top)Wednesday, December 9, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. This will be a brief informational session about the work of the Food Bank Council of Michigan and how you can help. The Council gathers food and funds to help stock Michigan's member food banks which serve people in all 83 counties of the state. The need has never been greater. Included in the food it gathers and distributes are Michigan grown surplus fruit and vegetables. Perhaps you have surplus and aren’t sure how to get it into the food bank. Come learn about the food bank network and how we can collectively work together to end hunger in our state. You can also get information at the Food Bank Council’s trade show booth (1305) or by going to its website: fcbmich.org. EXPO Banquet (return to top)Wednesday, December 9, 6:30 p.m.
Steve Ford, son of former President Gerald Ford, will be the
featured speaker for this year’s banquet program. Steve was suddenly
thrust into the role of “fi rst son” when his father was sworn in
as President on August 9, 1974, following the resignation of Richard
Nixon. Steve’s unique perspective on life as the President’s
son will encompass a broad range of fascinating incites, including
President Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon to help put an end to
the infamous Watergate affair, being 18 years old and having ten
Secret Service agents as constant companions, the two assassination
attempts on his father, and his mother’s bouts with alcoholism
and breast cancer. For anyone who remembers this time in our
country’s history, especially those who knew Gerald Ford, Steve’s
presentation will be both entertaining and enlightening.
Cider Contest (return to top)The cider contest will judge the best cider produced by Michigan cider makers (only Michigan cider producers are eligible for the contest). Here are some important details for the contest:
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