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The 2008 Great Lakes Fruit,
Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO |
December 9-11, 2008 |
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2007 Special Events
Michigan Commission of Agriculture Meeting (return to top)Tuesday, December 4, 10:00 a.m. Industry Outlook Luncheon (return to top)Tuesday, December 4, Noon - 1:30 p.m. 
This event brings together grower leaders and others with an interest in Michigan agriculture. Don Koivisto, the new Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, has been invited to speak at this year’s luncheon. This will be an opportunity to hear his views on issues of importance to Michigan agriculture, as well as a chance to network our state’s agricultural leadership. Tickets for this event will be available through pre-registration only. The ticket price is $23. MHS and MVC Annual Meetings: (return to top)Tuesday, December 4, 4:15 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. Michigan Farm Marketing & Agri-Tourism Association Gathering (return to top)Tuesday, December 4, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Held just prior to the Farm Marketers’ Roundtable Discussion, 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 this new organization. Light refreshments will be served. The association will hold it’s annual meeting. Michigan Apple Queen Pageant (return to top)Tuesday, December 4, 8:00 p.m. Reigning Michigan Apple Queen Pauline Wendzel from Watervliet will crown the 2008 Michigan Apple Queen at the conclusion of this enjoyable event. The pageant is co-sponsored by the Michigan Apple Committee and the Michigan State Horticultural Society Auxiliary. No ticket is required to attend. Prayer Breakfast (return to top)Wednesday, December 5, 7:00 a.m. The Prayer Breakfast will provide an enjoyable time of fellowship and an opportunity to pray for our industry and our country. Bob Gregory, a cherry grower from Traverse City, will provide the message – “Waiting Upon the Lord.” Bob will share how his family dealt with a health crisis during the heat of a harvest season. Tickets are $13 and should be purchased through pre-registration or on Tuesday at the EXPO. Grape Industries Luncheon (return to top)Wednesday, December 5, 11:45 a.m. This luncheon program is co-sponsored by the Michigan Grape and Wine Council and National Grape Cooperative to discuss topics of importance to the juice and wine sectors of the Michigan grape industry. This year’s program will feature discussion of the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) for grape growers and wineries as well as information on the IPM handbook that has been developed for grape growers. Tickets are $15. Advance purchase through pre-registration is recommended. A limited number of tickets will be available at the EXPO on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Michigan Apple Growers Luncheon (return to top)Wednesday, December 5, 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. Ken Guise, CEO of Knouse Foods and chairman of USApple, will be the featured speaker. Also included in the program will be updates from the Michigan Apple Committee and USApple. EXPO Banquet (return to top)Wednesday, December 5, 6:30 p.m. 
Scientist and futurist Jay Lehr will be the featured speaker at the EXPO banquet. Dr. Lehr makes people feel good about American agriculture. He combines fi ve decades of experience in agricultural economics, agronomy, environmental science and business administration with contagious enthusiasm for the future of farming in this country. While others may question the future of America’s two million farms and ranches, Dr. Lehr will discuss how they can succeed while continuing to produce the single most important crop for America, namely its next generation of outstanding children. The banquet program will also include recognition of scholarship recipients, including this year’s recipients of the Jordan B. Tatter Scholarship in Horticulture. In addition, the program will feature award presentations to growers and others who have made outstanding contributions to Michigan’s fruit and vegetable industries. Tickets are $33 and advance purchase through pre-registration is recommended. A limited number of tickets will be available at the EXPO until noon on Wednesday. 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:
Tasting of the Winning Ciders (return to top)Thursday, December 6, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.Enjoy a sample of the winning ciders from the cider contest. |