By Andi Anderson
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed October 2025 as Apple Month in Michigan, celebrating one of the state’s most important crops and the growers who work to bring fresh fruit to consumers every year.
Apples are Michigan’s largest and most valuable fruit crop, woven deeply into the culture of autumn across the state. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy dozens of apple varieties at grocery stores, supermarkets, farm markets, cider mills, and U-pick orchards.
In 2024, Michigan’s apple growers harvested an estimated 1.28 billion pounds of apples. The state is home to about 850 growers who manage over 17.6 million apple trees spread across 38,000 acres. Their dedication ensures safe, high-quality fruit that is enjoyed locally and beyond.
Michigan’s apple industry is not only important to the state’s economy but also contributes to public health. Regular consumption of apples is associated with improved wellness and may reduce the risk of certain diseases.
Michigan ranks as the nation’s second-largest apple producer, a distinction that underscores the state’s ideal climate, fertile soil, and long tradition of apple farming. Each fall, the apple harvest becomes a hallmark of Michigan’s agricultural identity, bringing families together at orchards, cider mills, and festivals.
With the proclamation of Apple Month, residents are encouraged to celebrate by purchasing and enjoying Pure Michigan apples in their many forms—from fresh-picked fruit to cider, pies, sauces, and other apple products that showcase the state’s agricultural bounty.
Photo Credit: istock-rixipix
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Harvesting, Rural Lifestyle