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Michigan’s wine industry booming

 

The Michigan wine industry’s latest economic impact study shows significant growth in the last decade.

Executive Director of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council Karel Bush attributes tourism and nearly a 170 percent increase in the number of wineries in the state for the boom.  “Back in 2005, the last time we had a full study done, it was a $300 million benefit to the state and now it’s $5.4 billion.”

The council now represents more than 130 wineries which source more than 50 percent of their ingredients from Michigan farms. Bush tells Brownfield as the number of wineries has increased, so has the number of vineyards.“There has been some conversion from some other commodities, but most of the growth has been in new plantings.”  More than 3,000 acres in Michigan are devoted to wine grapes and more than 80 percent of operators said they plan to increase production next year.

Bush says the wine industry also created more than 42,000 additional jobs and nearly $200 million dollars in tourism spending since 2005.

AUDIO: Interview with Karel Bush

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