PHOTO RELEASE_ Zeeland Farm Companies Earns 2023 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Yr Award

ZEELAND, Mich. – At present, Michigan Division of Agriculture and Rural Growth Director Tim Boring celebrated Zeeland Farm Companies (ZFS) for incomes the division’s highest export honors for 2023. The corporate, headquartered in Zeeland, started exporting Michigan-grown soy merchandise in 1999 and at the moment about 90 p.c of the soybeans they course of are grown in Michigan.

“Corporations like Zeeland Farm Companies are an instance of why worldwide patrons proceed to view Michigan as the perfect place for meals and agricultural companies. Zeeland’s work helps to make sure that ‘Made in Michigan’ is acknowledged world wide,” stated Director Boring. “Governor Whitmer is dedicated to attracting world enterprise to Michigan whereas investing in its development on a world scale, as proven in her bipartisan funds. Simply this week, Governor Whitmer and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a brand new financial settlement constructing on our longstanding financial relationship by way of a brand new partnership that may improve commerce, appeal to funding, and encourage job creation in each jurisdictions. MDARD is proud to work with corporations to develop our international footprint.”

ZFS was based in 1950 and has 12 staff whose focus is exporting, whereas many different staff help within the course of each day. They credit score their export success to having a fantastic workforce of people that work nicely collectively to make their export program profitable.

“Being named the 2023 Michigan Ag Exporter of the Yr is an incredible honor for our total workforce at Zeeland Farm Companies,” stated Cliff Meeuwsen, ZFS Chairman of the Board. “Nothing occurs with out lots of people making it occur as a workforce. If it wasn’t for everybody concerned, we wouldn’t have the success that we now have. It’s rewarding to work with folks world wide, from totally different cultures, to assist meet their wants with merchandise made proper right here in Michigan and the USA.”

As a soy processor, practically one hundred pc of their exports include non-GMO soybean meal. ZFS additionally exports corn, soybean oil, hulls, and different agricultural commodities. A lot of their exports are despatched to the Pacific Rim, however in addition they export to Canada, Europe, Central America, and South America. ZFS cites being an lively participant with commerce organizations and taking part in occasions like commerce reveals and patrons’ missions as a significant assist in their export success.

Michigan constantly ranks as one of the agriculturally various states within the nation leading to a big selection of exported merchandise starting from bulk soybeans to dried fruit, pickles, and baked items. Demand for these high-quality, reliable merchandise continues to develop in native markets, on-line retailers, and supercenters throughout the globe.

The 2023 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Yr award evaluation committee consisted of representatives from Van Andel World Commerce Middle, Michigan State College’s Worldwide Enterprise Middle, Comerica Financial institution, the U.S. Business Service’s Worldwide Commerce Administration, and the Michigan Financial Growth Company’s Worldwide Commerce Crew. The choice was made based mostly on export development prior to now three years, job creation from exporting, and the power to enter new markets.

To be eligible for this award, greater than 50 p.c of an organization’s product should be grown, processed, or manufactured in Michigan, and exports will need to have contributed a considerable quantity to an organization’s total development. For extra data on previous winners and the Worldwide Advertising Program, go to Michigan.gov/AgExport.

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