October celebrates Agritourism & Farm to School

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October celebrates Agritourism & Farm to School

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has named October Agritourism Month in Michigan.

Every county in Michigan offers agritourism experiences which Whitmer says are leading economic drivers providing ways for farmers to diversify and protect their businesses.

Destinations this year have taken extra measures to protect visitors from coronavirus including implementing a COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, screening staff daily for symptoms, limiting gathering sizes and interactions, and requiring personal protective equipment.

Whitmer is also declaring October as Farm to School Month, saying Farm to School empowers children and their families to make informed food choices and strengthens the local economy.

The program supports schools buying locally produced foods, incorporating nutrition-based curriculum and providing students with experiential learning opportunities.

The state has received a USDA grant to develop a series of Farm to School training videos covering procurement, agriculture education, Farm to School programs, school gardens, food safety, food preparation, culinary arts, and more.

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