December 2024: Michigan Christmas Tree Month

WHEREAS, December signifies a national celebration of the importance of the Christmas tree as an agricultural commodity for the United States. In Michigan and throughout the U.S., the Christmas tree industry provides jobs, environmental significance, along with joy to many consumers throughout the holiday season;and,

WHEREAS, Michigan is home to over 500 Christmas tree farms; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan's integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers work together to ensure a quality product that is enjoyed by millions throughout our state and country. Approximately 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. every year; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan Christmas tree farming is third in the nation for the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying approximately 2 million fresh trees to the national market each year, with an annual farm gate value of more than $40 million; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Christmas tree industry generates an additional $5 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland, and other fresh greenery products. For every Christmas tree harvested, Michigan Christmas tree farmers plant three new trees for future harvests; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan Christmas tree farmers grow and sell more varieties of Christmas trees than any other state in the U.S. Michigan growers farm more than 37,000 acres of Christmas trees. Around the country some 350 million Christmas trees currently are growing; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan consumers and retailers prefer purchasing Michigan-grown agriculture products that support local farming; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan's food and agricultural sector continues to be a growing industry offering new business and career opportunities for Michiganders, making food and agriculture a cornerstone to Michigan's future economy; and,

WHEREAS, I urge all Michiganders to join me in recognizing the importance of the Christmas tree industry, to thank a farmer for providing a resource of agricultural and environmental significance to our state, and to help celebrate the holiday season with a Michigan-grown Christmas tree;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim December 2024 as Michigan Christmas Tree Month.